News & Updates
What we're fighting for
Contract wins, member updates, and the announcements that affect your job at VA Central Office in Washington, D.C. Updated as it happens.
Home/News & Updates /Page 6
More news — page 6
Older stories
Leave Donation Program: How Local 17 Provides Essential Support to Members in Need
Local 17's Leave Donation Program empowers union members to uplift one another—donate unused leave and strengthen your community.
AFGE Local 17 Holiday Party 2024
Join AFGE LOCAL 17's Holiday Party on Dec 6 at Pearl Street Warehouse! Open to all, enjoy food, drinks & live music. RSVP now for an evening of fun and cheer!
Unveiling Deceit: How Management Betrays Employee Trust at VA’s Office of Information and Technology
VA Telework Rights are at the center of a Step 3 grievance filed against management’s anti-union behavior and disregard for labor agreements.
Introducing "The Radar": A New Anonymous Suggestion Box
Introducing The Radar for AFGE Local 17: an anonymous, online suggestion box where your concerns, questions, and ideas are sent straight to union leadership.
Congressman Morgan McGarvey Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Expedite Veterans Appeals Claims through Stronger Workforce
Congressman McGarvey's H.R.9046 aims to reduce the VA claims backlog by enhancing compensation for Board of Veterans' Appeals attorneys to retain top talent.
The Death of Expertise at the Board
Death of Expertise at the Board: A new Chief Counsel with no Veterans law experience marks a troubling shift in leadership and decision-making at the Board.
5 Alarming Reasons To Re think The Open-Office Design: A Productivity Killer
Open-Office Design may look modern, but is it productive? Uncover five reasons why open offices are harming productivity and employee well-being.
Proposed Changes to Performance Standards: A Threat to Workforce Morale
Explore the 2024 changes to attorney performance standards that could harm morale, with stricter quotas and revised quality measures causing concern.
All Employees Survey for BVA 2024 Comprehensive Thematic Analysis Report
AFGE Local 17 hired a data analytics firm to analyze the 2024 BVA All Employees Survey — surfacing the workload, leadership, and technology themes management overlooked.
Government Shutdown News and Information
Learn more about how government shutdowns affect federal services, with insights from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals on continuing operations during a funding lapse.
11 Important Takeaways from the FY 2025 Attorney Performance Standards Town Hall
Discover the key takeaways from the FY 2025 Attorney Performance Standards Town Hall, covering proposed changes in productivity, quality, and case management.
Celebrate Labor Day with AFGE Local 17: Join Us for an Ice Cream Social!
Join AFGE Local 17 for an Ice Cream Social on Aug 28 from 12-2 PM at 810 Vermont Ave. Celebrate Labor Day with a sweet treat and coffee in the Canteen!