Overview

• A federal appeals court lifted a preliminary injunction earlier this week, enabling VA on August 6 and 7 to terminate contracts with five major unions representing about 80% of its 450,000 employees
• Contracts covering roughly 4,000 VA police officers, firefighters and security guards remain in force under exemptions outlined in President Trump’s March executive order
• The department estimates the move frees over 750,000 union hours and more than 187,000 square feet of office and clinical space for direct veteran services
• VA Secretary Doug Collins said removing collective bargaining restrictions will let managers promote high performers, hold poor performers accountable and focus staff on serving veterans
• AFGE National President Everett Kelley denounced the action as retaliation against workers’ rights, and affected unions have vowed to pursue ongoing legal challenges