Weekly Information Round Up for Veterans Administration Employees

By Maya Diaz

Fellow SEIU HCII Department of Veterans Affairs Union Members,

Illegally terminated employees have been returned to work! Pressure from courts, unions and the public has resulted in illegally terminated employees slowly being returned to work! Some workers at JBVA and Hines have both been returned. U.S. District Judge William Alsup described the mass firings as a “sham” strategy by the government’s central human resources office. 

→ CLICK HERE to read more.

To continue fighting back against these cuts, workers at Hines VA and Jesse Brown VA took action this week! They contacted their legislators, urging them to say NO to cuts to Medicaid and the VA! Thank you to everyone who participated. If you weren’t able to join us, you can call on your own at 1-866-426-2631. You can also sign our petition to demand that these cuts stop. → CLICK HERE to sign the petition now!

Members also joined a nationwide virtual rally yesterday to hear about ways we can fight back against federal attacks! Continue to stay informed by joining our tele-town hall next Thursday at 7pm CST! More information below →

REGISTER: March Tele-Town Hall

There will be no VA membership meeting next week! Instead, join our March tele-town hall to hear about our staffing campaign and get federal updates.

  • March Tele-Town Hall: Thursday, March 20 at 7pm CST → CLICK HERE to register.

KEEP READING: VA REMINDERS & UPDATES

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

  • Print and makes copies of your OPF, SF50, Performance Records, pay and leave statements.
  • Confirm the type and length of your probationary period.
  • If you are a service connected Veteran ensure that your Veteran Preference for RIF is reflected on your SF50 (question 26).

Remember, if you are a Remote Worker, please ensure the following:

  • Review your Telework Agreement.  If you are Virtual, AdHoc or have a Reasonable Accommodation the Return to Office does not apply to you.
  • If you would to obtain an AdHoc Agreement start the process with your supervisor now. If you are in need of a Reasonable Accommodation start the process now. 
  • No Telework Agreement will be terminated until space (in compliance with privacy and work needs) at a VA property is found. 
  • If space is not found, extensions will be provided for Remote workers.   

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, SF50, Performance Records, pay and leave statements.
  • Confirm the type and length of your probationary period.

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.

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