Fellow SEIU HCII Department of Veterans Affairs Union Members,

Our VA members have continued to fight back against attacks from federal politicians like Trump and Secretary of the VA Doug Collins— but they aren’t the only elected officials targeting our workers. Republicans closer to home are also hurting veterans and VA workers, and we won’t let them get away with it!

One of those politicians is Mike Bost, the Republican representing IL’s 12th District. Congressman Bost serves as a Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, but he has continually failed the workers and veterans he claims to represent. Instead, he has allowed Secretary Collins and Trump to gut the VA and attack our workers and their unions, putting critical resources for veterans in jeopardy. 

We are calling Bost out and demanding that he stop allowing these attacks on our workers! We’ve invited him to our bi-weekly VA meeting next Wednesday, May 28, for a virtual town hall, where VA workers, veterans, and other federal workers will share their stories. Register now for next week’s VA membership meeting to join us!

RE-ENROLL FOR VISION AND DENTAL!

Due to Trump’s executive order, if you are currently enrolled in our union’s vision and dental insurance, you will need to re-enroll to access your benefits.

We have fought hard for benefits like these, and we know you don’t want to lose access! Make sure you re-enroll today!

We’d like to remind you that our VA members can now sign up to pay dues using our new EZ Dues payment link! 

Trump tried to weaken our union when he took away paycheck dues payments. But we refuse to let anyone take away our union! Sign up now, and keep an eye out for more information on this convenient new dues payment system!

UPCOMING VA MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Just as a reminder, we have transitioned to bi-weekly VA meetings, so there will be no VA membership meeting this week. Instead, make sure to register for next week’s VA membership meeting on Wednesday May 28 at 6 P.M. to join our town hall calling out Congressman Mike Bost!

Join us as we discuss the roles of Bost, Collins, and other republicans in the attack on federal workers, and learn about our strategies to fight back to protect workers and veterans!

→ Register Here!

We also will be hosting a unionwide congressional town hall on Saturday, June 21, at our Chicago SEIU HCII offices. Members will have the chance to connect with their representatives, ask them questions, and demand that they fight for VA workers, Medicaid, and more!

→ Register Here!

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