VA Workforce Cuts: 80,000 Jobs or More at Risk
May 07, 2025If you work at the Department of Veterans Affairs—or know someone who does—this week’s developments are hard to ignore. Secretary Doug Collins just confirmed in congressional testimony that the VA's 15% workforce reduction plan is still alive and may even exceed the initially projected 80,000 job cuts. While nothing is final yet, the uncertainty alone is sending shockwaves through the ranks.
But it’s not just the scale of the potential layoffs that’s alarming—it’s the silence around them. In a rare move, Collins acknowledged that VA leadership has asked some employees to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) regarding the workforce restructuring. This means critical information about your own job security may be legally silenced.
Why This Matters Even If You’re “Safe”
Collins told lawmakers that frontline providers—doctors and nurses—are currently not targeted. But as several senators noted, cutting 80,000 positions almost inevitably affects critical care delivery. VA employees in GS-9 through GS-14 positions, particularly in HR, administration, IT, and program support, should assume they are not immune.
The final plan was originally due May 9. That deadline has now been delayed, with no new date confirmed. No firm numbers. No department-by-department breakdown. Just ambiguity. And in a climate of ambiguity, your best defense is preparation.
What You Can Do Right Now
This is a high-stakes moment. Here’s what we advise our federal employee clients to do immediately:
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Document Your Value: Keep a private, secure record of your key accomplishments. Use metrics, success stories, and awards to show how your role supports veterans.
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Download Key Records: Pull your latest SF-50s from eOPF. These show your career tenure, grade level, and service computation date—vital if RIF (Reduction in Force) procedures are triggered.
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Practice Mindful Preparation: Don't catastrophize—but don't check out either. Breathe, center yourself, and take a proactive stance. It's not alarmist to prepare; it's smart.
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Avoid NDA Pitfalls: If you’ve been asked to sign an NDA related to workforce changes, consult a qualified attorney before agreeing. Your rights matter, especially during volatile transitions.
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Stay Informed Without Panic: The uncertainty is real, but so is your power to respond intentionally. Share updates with colleagues so no one is caught off guard.
A Final Word
It’s easy to feel powerless when decisions happen behind closed doors. But your career doesn’t have to be at the mercy of secrecy. If you need help navigating a potential RIF, disciplinary action, or reassignment, our firm is here to advise.
For deeper, evolving guidance tailored to federal employees, you can also explore our Power Hub membership for exclusive updates and tools.
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.