VA Update Wednesday 6/4/25

Our VA members have been fighting hard against the attacks federal workers are facing, and we are excited to share that we have just achieved a MAJOR VICTORY!

SEIU has been involved in a lawsuit aiming to stop the Trump administration from restructuring federal agencies and issuing RIFs without congressional approval. Trump’s executive orders have targeted several agencies including the VA, slashing budgets, firing staff indiscriminately, and sometimes cutting entire agencies. 

We are pleased to share that a judge has officially granted an injunction, blocking the Trump administration from approving or taking action on restructuring plans, putting workers on administrative leave, proceeding with RIFs already in progress and in the future, or cutting agencies. 

This is a big win that would not have been possible without our SEIU members sharing their stories and fighting against federal attacks! The judge specifically referenced stories from SEIU members about the impact of these cuts on federal and non-federal workers as examples of what was at stake in this case. This case is still moving forward, and will likely go to the Supreme Court, and we will keep you updated!

Learn more about this important victory by reading our full press release here.

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! You can sign using any credit card, debit card, or bank account, but we recommend using the same bank account that your paycheck deposits to. Dues will still be withdrawn on paydays, so this will make your EZ Dues payment the most similar to our former process!

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 with your financial information on hand, 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 moved to bi-weekly membership meetings and there is no meeting tonight. Please register at the link below to attend next week’s meeting on Wednesday, June 11 at 6 P.M. Central.

→ Register Here!

We also will be hosting a congressional town hall focused on federal workers 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 our VA workers! 

→ Register Here!

VICTORIES IN SPRINGFIELD
Our Health Systems members, including VA members, have spent the last several months heading down to Springfield to fight for legislation that would protect safe staffing, safety net hospitals, and more! 

Although the safe staffing bill we fought for did not end up passing in the state legislature, our fight is far from over, and we were successful in fighting for other campaigns including:

• Safety Net hospital funding;
• Funding for a Level 1 trauma center at Mt. Sinai; 
• Progressive revenue policies that will make the rich pay their fair share!

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