Fellow SEIU HCII Department of Veterans Affairs Union Members,

Federal workers continue to face attacks from the Trump administration. This Friday, April 25, Trump will end automatic dues deductions. This is a blatant attempt to retaliate against federal unions like ours who have stood up against his attacks on workers. 

But our members will not let Trump dictate how they spend their paychecks! Keep an eye out over the next couple weeks as we roll out a new way to pay your dues- an easy, automatic system to keep our members strong in the face of federal attacks.

As we roll out this new system, it’s more important than ever that we stay connect to each and every one of our VA members! Make sure your contact information is up to date by filling out this form.

Last Thursday, our members across our division gathered to discuss the attacks on the VA, our actions standing up to Trump, and more at our monthly Health Systems Huddle! If you couldn’t make the meeting, check out this recap to see what you missed! 

Finally, sign up to join fellow members of our union at the May 1 rally in Union Park! Celebrate International Workers Day in solidarity with your fellow workers as we say NO to Trump’s anti-immigrant, anti-labor, and anti-veteran attacks! Register here to reserve a spot on a bus from SEIU HCII’s offices.

REGISTER NOW: VA Membership Meeting!

We want to answer your questions about the administration’s attacks on federal workers. Please join us tonight, Wednesday, April 23rd at 6pm to discuss updates and see how you can fight back. 

→ CLICK HERE to register.

Keep Reading: VA Reminders and Updates

Remember the following as the EO concerning rights to collectively bargaining is working through the courts:

• As of right now SEIU Healthcare IL/IN is still the exclusive collective bargaining for non-professionals title 5 and hybrid 38 employees at the VA.
• The agency still has the obligation to negotiate changes in working conditions, including Return to Office and the Reduction in Force
• When this EO is implemented there will be additional changes at the VA specifically around how you pay dues. Be on the look out for a new direct join link so your dues can be transferred over.

Remember the following as plans around the RIF are announced:

• Print and makes copies of your OPF, SF50, Performance Records, pay and leave statements.
• If probationary, 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 like 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: 

• All illegally terminated probationary employees should have been returned back to work or placed on administrative leave

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.

FILL OUT AN ADO TAG!

Help us fight for safer working conditions! If you’ve experienced short staffing or unsafe conditions, let us know. Fill out an ADO Tag and submit it to your organizer OR click the button below to fill out our online form. 

 → CLICK HERE to Complete Our Online ADO Form

You can also print out our Assignment Despite Objection Form to report your short staffing experience

→ CLICK HERE to access the printable form!

FIGHT BACK NOW!

📞 Take Action Now! Call your legislators at 1-866-426-2631 and demand they say NO to cuts to Medicaid and the VA! Every call makes a difference.

📝 Sign the Petition → CLICK HERE to sign our petition and demand that these harmful cuts are stopped. 

📢 CLICK HERE to join other Federal Employee Workers through the Federalist Union Network.

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