Fellow SEIU HCII Department of Veterans Affairs Union Members,

Trump is continuing his unlawful and unjust attacks on federal workers- and those attacks are now affecting more of our workers than ever. You and your fellow VA employees received an email today telling you that next pay day, Friday April 25, will mark the end of automatic dues deductions. Trump knows the power we have in our membership and he has attacked our war chest. Like any organization we need money to have the fights we need to have.

Trump might have taken away our dues deduction, but VA workers aren’t going to let a politician – or anyone else – take our union away. We’re fighting back to protect our rights, our jobs, and the care our veterans rely on. Stay tuned for a new process that will roll out soon to autopay union dues to protect your union membership at the VA!

Despite this challenge, our union is still fighting back! Last week we shared about SEIU International’s partnership with other federal unions to sue the Trump administration for this illegal power grab, and our own SEIU HC members have been organizing to make our voices heard. Yesterday our members joined the “Stand Up to Billionaires!” Tax Day rally, and last week we traveled to Springfield for our Lobby Day to let our legislators know that we are standing up for safe staffing! 

There is so much we can do to fight back in the face of these attacks- check out the sections below for resources and opportunities to learn more!

Register Now! Tele-Town Hall Huddle

Don’t forget to register now for tomorrow’s Tele-Town Hall Huddle to learn more about autopayment for your union dues, as well as our fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on the VA and how you can get involved! Join us tomorrow, Thursday April 17th at 7 P.M. Central Time, to hear more. 

→ 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