VA Weekly Update 5/7/2025

Fellow SEIU HCII Department of Veterans Affairs Union Members,

Trump tried to weaken our union, but his attacks have just made us stronger; we are fighting back against his anti-worker agenda, and our fight just got stronger with the launch of our new E-Dues payment link! 

Over the next few weeks, you will receive emails from us with instructions on how to sign up for this easy, automatic payment plan. We are asking YOU to make sure you fill out this one-time, online form, so that our union can stay strong and continue to protect our members and veterans from these federal attacks. 

Click the link below to sign up now, and we will continue following up with information on this convenient new dues payment system!

NO VA MEMBER MEETING TONIGHT

Just a reminder that our VA Membership meetings are now occurring once every two weeks. There will be no meeting tonight; however, we encourage you to register for next week’s meeting on Wednesday, May 14, at 6 PM CT! 

→ Register Here!

REGISTER NOW: HINES VA RALLY MAY 10!

Join us this Saturday, May 10 at 11 A.M. for our rally at Hines VA! 

Our union protects workers and veterans, and we won’t let Trump- or anyone else- take that away. Join fellow SEIU HCII members, as well as NNU and AFGE, in demanding that our government stop attacking VA workers and all of the veterans we serve. Register now!

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