VA Unions Press to Restore Bargaining Rights Amid Staffing Crisis
collective bargaining federal employment staffing shortages union rights va employees Sep 11, 2025On September 5, leaders from seven major unions—including AFGE’s National VA Council—sent a joint letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins. Their request was urgent: use authority under the President’s new executive order to reinstate collective bargaining rights for most VA employees. The deadline to act is this Friday.
This is more than an internal labor dispute. The unions argue that since bargaining rights were stripped, the VA’s workforce shortage has more than doubled. Morale is at a low point, and the ripple effects, they say, are landing directly on veterans who depend on timely and safe care.
What Collective Bargaining Means in Practice
For many employees, collective bargaining rights aren’t abstract. They shape how grievances are handled, how discipline is applied, and how employees can raise concerns without fear of reprisal. In a system as large and complex as the VA, those rights can serve as a stabilizing force—keeping disputes from boiling over and giving employees confidence their voices matter.
When that safety net disappears, the impact is visible: nurses leaving for private hospitals, machinists refusing overtime, and younger employees deciding not to stay. Whether you personally support unions or not, it’s hard to ignore the link the unions are drawing between the loss of bargaining rights and the agency’s worsening retention crisis.
Competing Narratives: Efficiency vs. Stability
Critics of union involvement argue that bargaining slows decision-making and ties management’s hands when flexibility is needed. Supporters counter that without a fair process in place, agencies bleed talent and destabilize their missions. The VA unions are framing the issue in plain terms: if removing bargaining rights was supposed to make the VA more efficient, why have shortages doubled and morale cratered?
As a federal employment attorney, I see both dynamics play out across agencies. Efficiency matters—but efficiency without stability collapses under its own weight. Veterans, more than anyone, need a consistent, well-staffed workforce caring for them.
What Happens if the VA Refuses?
If Secretary Collins declines to restore bargaining rights by the Friday deadline, the unions may turn to litigation or political escalation. Employees, meanwhile, will continue to shoulder the uncertainty. For the VA mission, the risk is deeper: that ongoing shortages and low morale will erode its ability to deliver the care and services veterans have earned.
For VA employees reading this: your experiences matter. Documenting what you’ve seen since the loss of bargaining rights can be powerful evidence—whether in formal complaints, future negotiations, or public debate.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
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