Membership Meeting Tonight for Veterans Administration Employees

By Maya Diaz

Fellow SEIU HCII Department of Veterans Affairs Union Members,

Last Thursday evening, Trump signed an executive order intending to strip federal employees of their collective bargaining rights in a clear attack on all workers. This unlawful order directly puts our VA members’ right to organize in jeopardy. Despite the confusion, fear, and despair this announcement from Trump aims to inflict on us, we are standing strong, and using our anger at this injustice to fight back.

Unlike other executive orders this has yet to be implemented by the agencies as the Trump Administration filed a suit as an implementation test case.

Last Friday federal workers, legislators, and allies rallied at Jesse Brown VA to speak out against Trump’s new executive order and his continuing attacks on federal workers.

Speakers shared impactful stories of the ways that VA staff support our veterans, including SEIU Union Steward and VA Worker, Jazmine Cole, who shared this powerful message: “I serve them because they served for us.” SEIU Executive Vice President Erica Bland also spoke, calling on all of us to stand firm in our commitment to protecting federal workers. 

Read more about the VA rally here: Chicago VA unions say firings, bargaining exemptions will devastate care

REGISTER NOW: VA Membership Meeting!

We want to answer your questions about the administration’s attacks on federal workers. Please join us on Wednesday, April 2nd at 6pm to discuss updates and see how you can fight back. 

→ CLICK HERE to register.

TAKE ACTION

  • Saturday, April 5:  Hands off Rally
    • Join us as we are taking action in the streets. CLICK HERE to register.
    • Buses leaving the SEIUHCII office at 2229 S Halsted at 11AM.
  • Thursday, April 10: Safe Staffing Lobby Day in Springfield 
  • Tuesday, April 15: Tax Day Action 
  • 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. 
    • You can also print out our Assignment Despite Objection Form to report your short staffing experience → CLICK HERE to access the printable form!
    • Click Here to Complete Our Online ADO Form

KEEP READING: VA REMINDERS & 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.

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