An AFGE Local · National VA Council · AFL-CIO

Campaign Archive

Years of fighting for telework.

AFGE Local 17 has been at the forefront of advocating for the telework rights of VA employees. Through strategic negotiations, public engagement, and direct action, we've made it a central issue. Here's the record.

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AFGE Local 17 telework advocacy

Recognizing the changing landscape of work after the pandemic and the unique needs of VA staff, Local 17 has diligently pursued a campaign to secure and expand teleworking options. Our efforts reflect a deep commitment to ensuring VA employees can balance their personal and professional responsibilities — especially in challenging times.

The record

Our published telework work

MAR
'24

AFGE Local 17 Happy Hour

Celebrating the resilience and unity of VA employees at an event built to bolster community spirit and highlight the ongoing fight for telework protection.
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FEB
'24

McDonough's Telework Plan: More Office, Less Space for Flexibility

The stark differences between Secretary McDonough's telework plan and Local 17's proposal, and the union's commitment to flexibility and the Master Agreement.
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DEC
'23

Telework Tensions: Local 17's Perspective on McDonough's 50% In-Office Proposal

A critical analysis of the negotiations over telework policy, including mediation with a federal panel, and the union's push for a fair compromise.
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OCT
'23

AFGE Local 17 — Bar Deco Happy Hour Photos

Engaging Congressional members at a social event — leveraging every opportunity to advocate for VA employees' telework rights.
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OCT
'23

Telework Survey Analysis and Report

A comprehensive survey showing the overwhelming preference of VA employees for telework — backing the union's advocacy with hard data.
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SEP
'23

VA Employees' Telework Sentiments on 'Future of Work' Plans

Juxtaposing VA employees' telework preferences against the proposed 'Future of Work' plans, underscoring the disconnect with administrative policy.
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SEP
'23

AFGE Local 17 Defends Federal Teleworkers

Standing firm against criticism of telework, emphasizing the absence of evidence for telework fraud and advocating for continued flexibility.
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SEP
'23

Oversight of Federal Agencies' Post-Pandemic Telework Policies

Local 17's engagement in the broader conversation about the future of federal work environments.
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SEP
'23

VA Telework Plan: AFGE Local 17 Seeks Your Input!

A call for employee feedback on the VA Telework Plan — democratic engagement and collective bargaining in action.
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MAY
'23

New White House Guidance on Federal Telework and Return-to-Office Policies

Evaluating new federal guidance against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations at the VA.
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APR
'23

Navigating Remote Work Policy Changes: Insights from AFGE Local 17's Town Hall

A platform for direct communication and strategizing on telework policy with members.
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APR
'23

Grievance Regarding Changes to the DETO Program

Confronting policy changes that threaten telework rights through a formal grievance.
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MAY
'22

Reentry Plans for Bargaining Unit Employees at VA Central Office

Negotiating a grace period for employees returning to the office and easing the transition back to in-person work.
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MAR
'22

VA Calling Employees Back to The Office, But Not Full Time

Engaging with VA's return-to-office plans to keep telework a viable option for VA employees.
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Each of these pieces offers a different angle on Local 17's many-sided effort to safeguard and promote telework at the VA. Through public events, detailed analyses, direct negotiations, and formal grievances, the Local has shown an unwavering commitment to flexible, equitable work arrangements that reflect the realities of today's workforce.

The fight continues

Join Local 17

Telework protections don't defend themselves. The more members stand together, the stronger our hand at the table.

TogetherA bigger union is a stronger union