President’s Briefing: Important Information Regarding the 2022 Legislative Conference

To further improve communication lines and respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you, our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. This NVAC Briefing will significantly enhance how we communicate and how we share new information, keeping you better informed. Alma L. Lee National VA Council, President

Earlier today, AFGE sent the following update relating to the Legislative Conference:

We have all seen the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the nation due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Likewise, we are seeing the impact of this surge on our communities and workplaces. When we first contemplated holding an in-person Legislative Conference in Washington, the Omicron variant had yet to emerge and the situation was much different.

Since the new variant has emerged and quickly spread, states of emergency have been called in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, and we have also heard from numerous AFGE locals who will be unable to attend the conference in February due to COVID-19 concerns.

At AFGE, our highest priority is always the safety and well-being of our members and our employees. Therefore, in light of rapidly changing circumstances and out of an abundance of caution, the National Executive Council has voted not to hold an in-person Legislative Conference at the previously scheduled time.

Currently, the National Executive Council is weighing options for how exactly to proceed, and we will communicate additional specifics as more information becomes available. In future communications, we plan to alert you as to whether we will hold the Legislative Conference at a different date, time, and location, what you should do if you’ve already registered for the conference or booked travel or accommodations, and address other anticipated questions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this rapidly evolving situation. We will continue to keep you informed about the latest developments.

We stand behind AFGE and fully support their decision to keep you safe.