JR Cummings is an advocate and litigator with phenomenal communication skills. I am an attorney at BVA who was denied promotion to GS-14. JR not only possessed an excellent grasp of the unique facts and data associated with my case, but he was also able to present facts and data (i.e., spreadsheets, etc.) in a compelling, agile and persuasive fashion—while at the same time, maintaining cordiality and professionalism with everyone involved. JR also was always frank and responsive to  any concerns I might have about my case, tailoring evidence in a way that addressed those concerns. Ultimately, my promotion was granted—with back pay. I am very, very grateful for JR’s zealous advocacy!

Our entire team provided all levels of Veteran’s care through the VA Nationwide Telecommunication Services (VANTS) for over 30 years before it was disbanned due to Teams. In 2019, we first began hearing rumors that VANTS was being dissolved in the near future, resulting in a RIF [reduction in force]. We expressed these concerns to the local AFGE 17 team. At that time, Doug Massey (local president) assigned Marla Woodarek (union steward) to investigate the matter. Marla immediately began a campaign to ensure we would not face a RIF. After management officials refused to respond to our team and the Union, Marla filed a grievance and proceeded to arbitration. Once management realized that they were no match for Marla’s tenacity, they settled the grievance and we began transitioning to an entirely new position. And after we voiced concerns that the work was more difficult, Marla got us an across-the-board grade increase for our entire team. Marla also got us more telework, which was icing on the cake. We would like to express extreme gratitude to Marla’s hard work and determination over a two year transition. Her work-ethic is impeccable and relentless. We also recognize the amount of time Marla dedicated to a group of individuals she had never met but treated as her own family. We definitely owe our current status and employment to her passion of representing AFGE bargaining employees.

I would like to share my fond appreciation for Calanit Kadem, my AFGE union representative who has worked tirelessly for over 5 years advocating for me. During my employment at VA OSDBU I have experienced countless incidents of stressful and unfair treatment. She has been extremely instrumental in supporting me verbally, in writing, or just her quiet but strong presence. She saved me from being fired from my job and represented me with a win in an EEOC settlement against VA OSDBU. I could not have been successful without her impeccable attention to detail and fighting for justice on my behalf as well as many others.

I’m the beginning, I did not know how things would transpire. However, getting representation from the Union (Local 17), was one of the best decisions I made. Not only did they handle my cases with precision and tact, they treated me like I was the only client they had. They were aggressive and they didn’t back down to management, I loved every bit of it. I’m forever grateful for them.