As you know, during the previous administration, we witnessed unprecedented attacks on workers’ rights, collective bargaining, and federal sector labor unions. With the support of our members and AFGE VA Locals, NVAC has been fighting hard to protect the rights of VA employees and the dedicated union officials who represent them.

Today, NVAC is proud to announce the execution of a global Settlement Agreement resolving several disputes that arose during the previous administration, including: VA/NVAC contract negotiations, Trump EO 13837 claims, and Title 38 official time.

A complete copy of the Settlement Agreement is attached here. Highlights include:

• VA/NVAC Contract Negotiations: The Parties have agreed to erase all bargaining history since December 2017 and start over with a “limited reopener” of the 2011 Master Agreement. We have executed new Ground Rules, and each side has selected 6 articles to reopen and renegotiate. With limited exceptions, the Parties have agreed to roll over 55 articles from the 2011 Master Agreement. We expect to return to the bargaining table by early next year.

• Trump Executive Orders: The Parties have established a claims submission procedure where AFGE representatives may submit claims for two types of corrective action: (1) compensation for representational duties performed in a leave status or non-duty status due to limitations on official time, and (2) reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for costs incurred for office space, storage space, equipment, and technology because of EO 13837. Lastly, the VA will rescind personnel actions taken against AFGE representatives under EO 13837.

• Title 38 Official Time: The VA has agreed to rescind the 7422 determinations from 2018-19 concerning the use of Title 38 official time. This means that AFGE representatives in Title 38 positions will, once again, have the same rights to official time as other employees. These representatives may also submit claims for compensation under the claims submission procedure.