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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Telework The VA’s Quiet Push to Roll Back Telework Accommodations
VA employees with long-standing telework accommodations are reporting a sudden and troubling shift. Supervisors are asking them to “update” disability records or provide new medical…
Surveys They Tried to Silence the Federal Employee Voice. We Refuse to Be Ignored.
For years, the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) has been more than just a questionnaire. It has been our one guaranteed, official channel to speak truth to power—a yearly opportunity to…
Secva VA Secretary's Promises: 4 Heartbreaking Failures in a Critical Review
Confirmation hearings are a cornerstone of American democracy—a moment of public accountability where nominees lay out their vision. When the current Secretary of Veterans Affairs, then-nominee…
Events Recap: AFGE Local 17 Town Hall on the Executive Order and Your Rights
On the evening of August 13, 2025, AFGE Local 17 leaders and members gathered for an urgent virtual town hall to address the sweeping changes impacting thousands of Department of Veterans Affairs…
Featured Your Union at Work: A Record of Union Victories and Our Path Forward
Tonight’s town hall is about facing the future together. As we navigate the challenges posed by new executive orders and shifting political winds, it’s crucial to remember where our strength comes…
Information Clearing Up Confusion: Your Union Rights Remain in Place
Many of you received a VA memo recently regarding the implementation of a March 2025 Executive Order curtailing Labor Management Forums (LMFs) and Pre-Decisional Involvement (PDI) for unions. We…
Events Mental Wellness Symposium: 6 Critical Reasons to Attend on June 28
Prince William County, VA — In light of recent federal workforce layoffs impacting Northern Virginia, a dedicated coalition of community advocates, mental health experts, and local leaders are coming…
Video VA Healthcare Worker Cuts: Secretary Collins’ Plan Unmasked and Exposed
When Rep. Mark Takano confronted Secretary Collins about the VA’s internal plan to cut thousands of front-line health care workers, Collins didn’t deny the document. Instead, he whined that it was…
Podcast Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Federal Disability Retirement
If you’re a federal employee dealing with a disability and wondering how to navigate your career—or if you should consider stepping away—you're not alone. Many federal workers find themselves at a…
Campaigns VA Workforce Cuts Threaten 83,000 Jobs and Veteran Care—Take Action Now
The Department of Veterans Affairs is moving forward with historic VA workforce cuts, and the consequences could be devastating. Secretary Doug Collins has proposed eliminating 83,000 jobs—nearly 1…
Podcast VA’s Deferred Resignation Program: What You Absolutely Need to Know
AFGE Local 17 recently hosted an important podcast episode on VA’s renewed Deferred Resignation Program, and what it means for employees who feel they’re being pushed out under the guise of…
Podcast Understanding Reductions in Force at VA: 9 Empowering Insights from Peter Broida
Reductions in Force at VA (RIFs) are a challenging reality faced by federal employees, especially those working within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Recently, AFGE Local 17 hosted a podcast…
