Continuing Our Fight

Today marks a major milestone in our fight for a fair contract: we are filing the defense of our proposal in the next contract for VA staff. While the VA is trying to force an unfair, 10-year contract on 250,000 workers, we’re fighting for a seat at the table for our voices to be heard.

As protests erupt across the country in response to the criminal justice system’s dangerous impact on people of color, the VA is spearheading its own dangerous and unjust system. Black professionals make up a large number of frontline VA staff, and they serve millions of Black veterans. Because of racial inequities in our health system, they are already at higher risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19. And the VA’s lack of leadership has created a racial equity gap that disproportionately leaves Black lives at risk.

Use your voice to fight for a seat at the table, speak out in favor of a fair contract.
Tweet at VA Secretary Robert Wilkie and demand he listen to our proposals.

Under this Administration, the VA has refused to bargain in good faith over our contract demands. They refuse to even acknowledge some of our proposals, despite the fact they would make the VA safer and more effective. This years-long assault on VA staff and our collective bargaining rights is part of a broader push to privatize the VA. And their refusal to even recognize our proposals could not come at a worse time.

The coronavirus pandemic has infected and killed thousands of veterans and staff at the VA — and our proposals could make a real difference in protecting both. Enhanced telework options are increasingly important as we try to maintain as much social distancing as possible. Increased staffing would allow for sick staff to stay home and will improve the quality of veteran care across the board, which is critical during this crisis. And of course, more workplace protections and robust supplies PPE are needed to protect those in VA facilities.

How could the agency oppose such measures in our contract? They are so laser-focused on curtailing our bargaining rights and privatizing the VA they willingly dismiss worker safety concerns and our contract demands. Our proposals are legal, complete and provide the proper arrangements for a collective bargaining agreement. The VA’s proposals are simply putting workers and veterans in danger.

It’s been clear for years that the VA needs real solutions. Our contract is a step in the right direction. Let’s keep up the pressure on Secretary Wilkie and the rest of VA leadership to acknowledge our proposals and negotiate with us.

Demand that Secretary Wilkie recognizes our needs and negotiates in good faith: Send him a tweet now.

This fight is far from over. But with every action you take, we get closer to earning a fair contract and making the VA a safer place for everyone. We hope you and those in your community stay safe and take care of one another.