Veterans Affairs Slashes Union Contracts, Citing Focus on 'Veteran Care'

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revealed the cancellation of collective bargaining agreements with five significant federal unions, a decisive action that directly affects over 400,000 federal employees and removes their union protections. The decision originates from an executive order issued in March by former President Donald Trump, which sought to diminish the influence of federal employee unions.

The unions impacted are the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

A statement from the VA, released on August 6, indicates that the adjustment will enable employees to dedicate more time to interacting with veterans, rather than focusing on union responsibilities. The agency reported that in 2024, almost 2,000 employees designated by the union had utilized more than 750,000 hours for activities funded by taxpayers.

“Those hours can now be dedicated to serving veterans rather than union leaders,” the VA stated. The statement highlighted that current union agreements have created challenges for managers in recognizing and advancing high-performing employees, as well as addressing the issues of underperformance.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins stood by the decision, stating in a press release, “Frequently, unions representing VA employees act contrary to the best interests of veterans while shielding and rewarding underperforming workers.” We are committed to ensuring that our resources and staff are dedicated solely to our mission: delivering exceptional care and service to those who have served in the uniformed services.

The VA's decision follows a recent ruling by a federal appellate court that lifted an earlier injunction, allowing the agency to implement the executive order issued by the Trump administration. A fact sheet from the White House once characterized certain federal unions as having “declared war on President Trump’s agenda,” referencing national security issues as the rationale for the reversal.

The VA asserts that approximately 4,000 VA police officers, firefighters, and security guards will remain unaffected by the order, as they are exempt from it. However, labor groups contend that the consequences for healthcare workers and support staff will be significant.

AFGE President Everett Kelley criticized the VA’s actions, labeling them as retaliation for the union’s outspoken stance against “illegal, anti-worker, and anti-veteran policies.”

“Our union has always been dedicated to safeguarding the rights of VA employees and ensuring that veterans receive the highest quality of care,” Kelley stated. “This decision penalizes workers for simply fulfilling their responsibilities.”

Concerns have been raised that the elimination of union protections may lead to lower morale, higher turnover rates, and reduced oversight in the country's most extensive integrated healthcare system.

The decision signifies a notable change in federal labor policy during the Trump administration's second term, raising concerns among unions and advocacy groups about the potential for further widespread reductions in workplace protections.

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