Morale on the Line: VA Ends Most Union Agreements—Veterans Brace for Impact
On August 6, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs abruptly terminated collective bargaining agreements covering nearly 377,000 employees, representing about three-quarters of its total workforce. The contracts affected include those with major federal unions — AFGE, NAGE, NFFE, NNU, and SEIU — leaving only VA police, firefighters, and security personnel exempt.
VA officials defended the move, claiming it will allow leaders to “prioritize veteran care” without what they described as the burden of prolonged labor negotiations. Critics, however, say the shift dismantles decades of workplace protections that ensured VA staff could safely raise concerns without retaliation. (Military Times, Virginia Mercury)
Why It Matters for Disabled Veterans …
For veterans depending on the VA for medical care and benefits, union contracts may seem like background noise. But the impact is real.
- Workforce stability is at risk. If recruitment and retention falter without union protections, veterans could experience slower claims processing, longer appointment delays, and less consistent care.
- Service quality may suffer. When staff morale drops, turnover increases — and with it, the risk of fragmented care and errors that directly affect veterans.
- Loss of advocacy channels. Unions have historically given VA employees the ability to speak up about unsafe practices or systemic problems. Without that safeguard, issues could go unreported until they impact patients and claims.
As one labor expert put it, “The contracts may have ended overnight, but the ripple effects will be felt for years by the veterans the VA is meant to serve.” (Mindful Federal Employee)
Voices from the Fallout
Union leaders were quick to condemn the VA’s decision.
“We have opposed job cuts, hospital closures, and pushed for accountability—this move feels retaliatory.” ~ AFGE President Everett Kelley (AFGE)
The VA, on the other hand, framed the change as a win for efficiency.
“Now it’s stated VA leaders can focus on care — not catering to union demands.” ~ VA Secretary Doug Collins, defending the policy shift (Virginia Mercury)
These opposing perspectives underline just how high the stakes are: either the VA is cutting through red tape to better serve veterans — or it’s dismantling essential safeguards that keep the system accountable.
What Disabled Veterans Can Do
Even though this change targets VA employees, veterans have a stake in its consequences. Here’s how to stay proactive:
- Pay attention to local service changes. If your VA clinic or regional office suddenly feels slower, less responsive, or short-staffed, document it.
- Report and escalate. Bring concerns to your Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or directly to your congressional representative. Patterns of complaints can influence oversight.
- Stay engaged. Advocacy doesn’t stop at the union hall — veterans and their families can push for hearings and demand accountability if VA services start slipping.
Final Thoughts …
Union agreements don’t make headlines often, but they have long played a quiet role in protecting the stability of VA services. By dissolving them, the VA is betting that streamlined management will outweigh the risks of workforce unrest. Veterans, however, may be the ones caught in the crossfire if morale drops and staffing falters.
The takeaway is simple: this is not just a labor issue — it’s a veteran care issue. Disabled veterans must remain watchful and vocal as this plays out, because the quality and consistency of their care may ultimately hang in the balance.
Related Reads on DisabledVeterans.org:
AHH the VHA…the only entity in the country that will take a class action suit to the asshole and then continue to fuck people a day later. Folks, we need Timothy McVeigh resurrected at put to work on those worthless CBOCs and of course about 10 K of their lying and insulting employees could use a trip to jail.
Since we have a dysfunctional and broken political system, veterans should be allowed to punish law violations like denial of care at VA themselves. It’s time for a date with Luigi Mangione if you don’t do x,y,z like you’re supposed to. Too bad the courts abdicate their responsibility to uphold the law and do proper checks and balances. Obviously it is Congress intent that they provide full healthcare when given all that money… not simply pay a bunch of incompetent sots to show up there everyday.