News & Updates
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Contract wins, member updates, and the announcements that affect your job at VA Central Office in Washington, D.C. Updated as it happens.
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Lunch And Learn Essential Hatch Act Training to Empower AFGE Local 17 Members
AFGE Local 17 is set to host an essential Lunch and Learn session, providing critical insights for members as the election season approaches. This Hatch Act training event will take place on Tuesday,…
Featured Crisis at the Board of Veterans' Appeals: A Symptom of VA Leadership Failures
The upcoming House Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing on Tuesday, June 4th, is set to expose the deep-rooted dysfunction within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with a particular focus on…
Arbitration Arbitration Victory: 10 Critical Takeaways
1. Arbitration Victory for Bargaining Unit Employees 2. Back Pay Resulting from Arbitration Victory 3. Unfair Labor Practice Regarding Performance Standards 4. Waiver Scheme and Arbitration Victory…
Grievance Local 17 Files Grievance on Sudden Telework Cancellation at OIT
Update: On May 30, 2024, the Union held a Step 3 Grievance meeting with OIT’s Director of Operations, Celeste Matthews. At the meeting, Matthews indicated that she was open to the possibility of…
Awards 3 Outstanding Labor Leadership Awards Earned by Dr. Everett B. Kelley
Local 17 of the American Federation of Government Employees proudly honors our esteemed National President, Dr. Everett B. Kelley, for his unprecedented accomplishments in the realms of labor…
Arbitration Disability Discrimination at the Veterans Health Administration
Persons with disabilities constitute one of the largest and most marginalized groups within American society. Despite claims by Secretary McDonough to not tolerate discrimination based on disability,…
Happy Hour AFGE LOCAL 17 Happy Hour
Please join us for our AFGE LOCAL 17 Happy Hour! The theme of this event is, “Protecting your Telework” come celebrate the struggle as we welcome Spring!
From Iconic Kiss to Ironic Twist: VA's Anti-Hostility Effort Marred by Hostile Leadership
The memorandum advocating for the removal of the iconic photograph below was penned by Lelia Jackson, the Director of the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office within the Veterans Health…
Brunch Black History Month Brunch Highlights
Thursday, February 15, 2024, was a memorable day as we gathered for AFGE Local 17's Black History Month Brunch in the VA Canteen at VA's Central Office. The event was a beautiful celebration of the…
Emergency AFGE Member Lost Everything In Home Fire
In the heart of adversity, the true spirit of our community is revealed. Today, we call upon that spirit to rally around one of our own, Tyeas Tillman, an AFGE Local 17 member who has suffered an…
Brunch AFGE Local 17 Black History Month Brunch
Everyone is invited to join us for AFGE Local 17's Black History Month Brunch on Thursday, February 15th, from 8:30 am to 10:00 am. It's a time to come together and recognize the significant…
Surveys A Majority Silenced: Surveying the Real Climate at the Board of Veterans' Appeals
On behalf of Local 17, we would like to join the Chairman in honoring those groups that completed the 2023 All Employee Survey in a way that reflects positively on the Board. Bravo!
