Fellow SEIU HCII Department of Veterans Affairs Union Members,

Our members have been tirelessly fighting back against the administration’s attacks on federal workers. This week, SEIU Health Systems member Eric Rodriguez took that fight to our nation’s capital, attending the President’s Congressional address.

On Tuesday night, a leaked memo from the Department of Veterans Affairs revealed the Trump administration’s plans to cut around 80,000 VA jobs. Eric—a carpenter at Hines VA Hospital, Union Steward, and Iraq Veteran—voiced his frustration over these harmful cuts at a House Democrats event, standing up for the workers and veterans who rely on VA services.

Pictured: United States Congressman Jesús G. “Chuy” García and VA Member, Eric Rodriguez.

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REGISTER NOW: Medicaid Training & VA Membership Meeting

“Hands off Medicaid” Trainings: Next week we are getting together to learn, educate, and activate each other on what Medicaid is, how it is essential to our workplaces and much more! We are building solidarity to fight against gutting the program that millions of people depend on. 

• Wednesday, March 12 at 12pm CST → CLICK HERE to register. 
• Thursday, March 13 at 6pm CST → CLICK HERE to register.

VA Membership Meeting: We are discussing the current attacks on federal workers. Join to get updates and ask questions. 

• Wednesday, March 12 at 6pm CST → CLICK HERE to register. 

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KEEP READING: VA REMINDERS & UPDATES

Our fight against Trump and his allies continues. Just last week, Tracey Therit, Chief Human Capital Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), was questioned about the generic photocopied termination letters and the false claims citing work performance issues. Therit avoided responding to questions and dismissed the harm that these layoffs are causing.

→ CLICK HERE to watch the recording of questioning that occurred.

Remember, if you are a probationary federal worker, please ensure the following:

• Print and makes copies of your OPF, SF-50, Performance Records, pay and leave statements.
• Confirm the type and length of your probationary period.

If you are an illegally terminated federal worker, here are your options: 

• You have access to COBRA for up to 18 months. This gives you access to pay the full premiums for your current health insurance.
• If you are married to another federal employee, they can add you to their insurance.
• Life Insurance coverage continues for 31 days.
• You have the right to file for unemployment in the state that you currently reside.
• You might not have rights under our contract to grieve as a probationary employee but here are your options for appeal:
• Print and makes copies of your OPF, SF-50, Performance Records, pay and leave statements.
• Confirm the type and length of your probationary period. 
  • MSPB (Merit Systems Protection Board), EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), OSC (Office of Special Counsel).
  • Join a federal class action appeal before the MSPB with the law office of James and Hoffman.
    • Link: https://federalworkerrights.com/email-to-terminated-probationary-employees/ 
    • Password: fedemployeelawsuit 

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DON’T FORGET

The administration is going to make it more difficult for us to be in touch with our union members. Click the link the share your updated contact information.

→ CLICK HERE to share your updated contact information. 

We need to ensure our membership stays strong. Share the online membership card below with your coworkers to help them become a part of the union. 

 → CLICK HERE to access the online membership card.

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Thanks for staying updated. Our fight continues. As always, email me with any questions: Anne.Igoe@seiuhcil.org.

In solidarity,

Anne Igoe, Vice President and Director for Health Systems