2024 Was Full of AFGE Local 17 Wins
As 2024 comes to a close, AFGE Local 17 looks back on a year of steadfast advocacy, remarkable achievements, and unwavering commitment to our members. Despite the challenges we faced, our union community proved resilient and resourceful, fighting for employees’ rights, celebrating our shared victories, and building a stronger foundation for the future. As we prepare for the potential challenges of a new administration, let us reflect on a few of the highlights of this year with pride and optimism.
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Year End Podcast Episode is Live!
For those of you who are so inclined, we also just released a podcast on this topic looking back at the successes of 2024. Check it out below:
Advocacy and Support for Employee Rights
AFGE Local 17 wins kept coming as we continued our legacy of fighting for the rights and well-being of its members. Key victories this year included:
Promotion Denied: Board of Veterans’ Appeals Issues
We confronted unlawful changes to productivity standards and promotion criteria, securing arbitration victories that restored fairness and upheld the principles of due process.
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals faced significant controversy in 2024 over unilateral changes to attorney productivity standards and promotion criteria. Through arbitration, the Union successfully challenged the Board’s improper requirement for attorneys to be “consistently on-pace” for promotions and within-grade increases. The five-day arbitration, featuring thirteen witnesses, revealed that the Board had implemented these changes without proper notice or Union negotiation. Additionally, the Board had introduced a controversial waiver scheme where Veterans Law Judges pressured attorneys to waive their rights to panel review for promotions. The arbitrator ruled in the Union’s favor, ordering remedies including back pay with interest for affected attorneys.
Disability Discrimination Rulings
Through arbitration, we won justice for employees facing workplace discrimination, ensuring that disability accommodations were respected and enforced.
The Union demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting employees’ rights in a landmark victory against disability discrimination at the Veterans Health Administration. Through the dedicated advocacy of Local 17 steward Steve Eckerman, the Union successfully challenged discriminatory actions by senior VHA officials Dr. Gerard Cox and April Ahrendt, who had unlawfully denied an employee’s request for full-time telework as a reasonable accommodation. Despite initial setbacks and management’s denial of the grievance at every step, the Union persevered through arbitration. The Arbitrator’s ruling vindicated the employee’s rights, ordering full reinstatement with back pay plus interest, as well as restoration of leave. This victory not only secured justice for the affected employee but also reinforced the Union’s vital role in protecting workplace rights and standing firm against discrimination at all levels of management.
Telework Policy Disputes
Our union stood firm against telework reductions, advocating for flexible arrangements that comply with agreements and serve both employees and Veterans.
AFGE Local 17 wins demonstrated exceptional leadership in defending employees’ telework rights against unilateral policy changes throughout 2024. When Secretary McDonough attempted to impose a mandatory 50% in-office requirement – directly contradicting the Master Agreement he had signed just months earlier – the Union immediately challenged this overreach through formal grievance procedures and moved forward with arbitration. The Union also successfully fought against sudden telework cancellations in the Office of Information Technology (OIT), where management had attempted to eliminate established telework arrangements without proper notice or negotiation. Through persistent advocacy and legal action, Local 17 wins continued to rack up in order to protect flexible work arrangements that maintain employee productivity while ensuring Veterans receive timely, quality service. The Union’s firm stance on protecting negotiated telework rights has been crucial in preserving work-life balance for VA employees.
Grievance and Arbitration Successes
From telework rights to performance standards, we achieved remedies including back pay and policy reversals, holding leadership accountable.
AFGE Local 17 wins continued as we secured multiple significant victories through our robust grievance and arbitration efforts in 2024. The Union’s most notable triumph came in challenging the Board’s unlawful changes to attorney productivity standards, resulting in an arbitrator’s decision that ordered back pay with interest for affected employees and reversed improper performance metrics. The Union also successfully contested discriminatory practices through arbitration, securing full reinstatement and compensation for an employee denied reasonable accommodation. When faced with unilateral changes to telework policies, Local 17 demonstrated its effectiveness by filing strategic grievances and pursuing arbitration to protect negotiated rights. These successes highlight the Union’s essential role in enforcing the Master Agreement and ensuring management adheres to proper labor practices, ultimately protecting both employee rights and the quality of service to Veterans.
Events and Celebrations
Community and camaraderie defined 2024, as we came together to celebrate and support one another:
Black History Month Brunch
This inspiring event honored African American contributions to history and fostered meaningful dialogue and connection.
In February 2024, AFGE Local 17 hosted a highly successful Black History Month Brunch at the VA Canteen in VA’s Central Office, bringing together employees from across the organization to celebrate and honor African American contributions to our nation’s history. The free event, held on February 15th, created a welcoming space for reflection, conversation, and community building. Located in the VA Central Office canteen on C-Level at 810 Vermont Ave, the brunch drew an impressive turnout of both familiar faces and newcomers, fostering meaningful connections and dialogue among attendees. The event exemplified the Union’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness while providing opportunities for employees to come together in celebration of our shared history.
Labor Day Ice Cream Social
A sweet gesture of appreciation for our members’ hard work and dedication.
AFGE Local 17 brought members together on August 28th, 2024, for a festive Ice Cream Social to celebrate Labor Day and recognize the exceptional dedication of VA employees. Held in the Canteen at 810 Vermont Ave, the event provided a welcome mid-day break where employees could enjoy ice cream with various toppings, fresh coffee, and casual conversation with colleagues. The social wasn’t just about treats – it served as a meaningful recognition of public servants’ contributions and the labor movement’s importance in securing workplace rights. The strong turnout and positive atmosphere demonstrated Local 17 wins in action as well as our success in building community and showing appreciation for its hardworking members.
Holiday Celebrations
Our annual holiday party and other events strengthened union solidarity and celebrated our shared accomplishments.
AFGE Local 17 capped off 2024 with a spirited holiday celebration at Pearl Street Warehouse, bringing members together to reflect on a year of significant achievements. The December 6th gathering offered excellent food, drinks, and desserts in an intimate setting that fostered connection and camaraderie among union members and non-members alike. The venue’s convenient location near multiple metro stops and the free water taxi service ensured easy access for all attendees. This annual tradition exemplified Local 17 wins and our commitment to building a strong, unified community and celebrating the collective successes achieved through steadfast union advocacy throughout the year. The festive atmosphere provided a perfect opportunity for members to strengthen relationships and share in the spirit of solidarity that defines AFGE Local 17.
Educational and Informational Initiatives
Education remained a cornerstone of our efforts, equipping members with the knowledge and tools to navigate workplace challenges:
Lunch and Learn: Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation
This session provided valuable insights into securing telework accommodations under EEO guidelines.
In May 2024, AFGE Local 17 organized an essential educational session featuring AFGE attorney Jenny Pratt, who shared expert guidance on obtaining telework as a reasonable accommodation. This well-attended Zoom session equipped members with critical knowledge about their rights under EEO guidelines and practical strategies for securing appropriate accommodations. As a key member of AFGE’s Women and Fair Practices Department, Pratt brought valuable expertise to the discussion, helping members understand the intersection of disability rights and telework policies. The session exemplified Local 17’s commitment to empowering members with practical knowledge, featuring real-world examples of successful cases, including a recent victory where Local 17 steward Steve Eckerman secured full-time telework accommodation for a member through arbitration.
Hatch Act Training
Members gained a deeper understanding of compliance with federal laws during election periods.
In June 2024, AFGE Local 17 demonstrated its commitment to member education by hosting a crucial Hatch Act training session led by J. Ward Morrow, Esq., AFGE National’s Assistant General Counsel. This timely lunch-and-learn event provided members with essential knowledge about political activity restrictions and rights during election periods. The interactive Zoom session offered clear guidance on navigating federal employment responsibilities while maintaining political engagement within legal boundaries. This proactive educational initiative reflected how Local 17 wins by showcasing its dedication to protecting members by ensuring they understand and comply with federal regulations while exercising their rights as citizens.
“The Radar” Suggestion Box
Launched to ensure every member’s voice is heard, fostering open communication and transparency.
AFGE Local 17 demonstrated its commitment to member engagement by launching “The Radar,” an innovative anonymous suggestion box platform in 2024. This new tool empowers members to freely share concerns, questions, and ideas directly with union leadership without fear of retaliation. The platform’s design allows members to choose between anonymous submissions or including their contact information for follow-up, ensuring maximum flexibility and comfort in communication. By creating this direct line to the Executive Board, Local 17 reinforced its dedication to transparency and responsive leadership, proving that every member’s voice matters in shaping union priorities and actions.
AFGE Local 17 Podcast:
A new platform for discussing workplace issues and union initiatives, amplifying member engagement.
In a groundbreaking move to modernize member communications, AFGE Local 17 launched its first-ever podcast in 2024, creating an accessible new platform for discussing critical workplace issues and union initiatives. The inaugural episode tackled the pressing topic of telework’s future at the VA, providing members with detailed analysis of potential policy changes and the Union’s strategy for protecting flexible work arrangements. This innovative approach to member outreach demonstrated Local 17’s commitment to meeting members where they are, offering important workplace updates and union news in a convenient, engaging audio format. The podcast’s success marks another example of how Local 17 wins by continuing to evolve its communication methods to better serve and inform its membership.
Legislative Engagement
Our union’s advocacy extended to Capitol Hill, where we worked tirelessly to influence policies and legislation:
H.R. 9046: Supporting Attorney Retention
We championed this bipartisan bill to address recruitment and retention challenges at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, reducing the claims backlog.
AFGE Local 17 played a pivotal role in advancing H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act, introduced by Representatives Morgan McGarvey and Gus Bilirakis in October 2024. This bipartisan legislation addresses a critical need by allowing BVA to increase attorney salaries to the GS-15 level, matching other VA departments like the Office of General Counsel. Local 17 President Douglas Massey’s endorsement highlighted how the bill would both improve attorney retention and help reduce the 200,000-case backlog of Veterans’ appeals. The Union’s advocacy for this legislation demonstrates its commitment to both improving working conditions for attorneys and ensuring Veterans receive timely decisions on their appeals.
Congressional Oversight
Collaborating with lawmakers, we shed light on systemic issues at the VA, advocating for meaningful reforms.
AFGE Local 17 played a crucial role in bringing VA leadership accountability issues to Congressional attention, particularly during the June 2024 House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing. The Union provided critical testimony and evidence regarding the $10.8 million bonus scandal for senior executives and the Board’s alarming drop to 444th out of 459 agency subcomponents in employee satisfaction. Working closely with Representatives like Scott Franklin, Local 17 wins by highlighting serious concerns about BVA leadership decisions, including the systematic hiring of Veterans Law Judges with no Veterans law experience and the downgrading of attorney positions. This engagement with Congress exemplified the Union’s commitment to transparency and reform while advocating for both employee rights and Veterans’ interests.
Workplace Improvements and Recognition
AFGE Local 17 celebrated progress while pushing for continued improvements in workplace conditions:
Arbitration Victories
Challenging unfair practices, we upheld employee rights and secured meaningful remedies.
Building on its string of impactful victories in 2024, AFGE Local 17 secured a major arbitration win challenging the Board’s unlawful modifications to attorney performance standards and promotion criteria. The arbitrator found that management had violated both federal law and the collective bargaining agreement by requiring attorneys to be “consistently on pace” for promotions without proper negotiation. Through tenacious advocacy and compelling testimony from thirteen witnesses, the Union exposed problematic practices including an unauthorized waiver scheme pressuring attorneys to forfeit their rights. This landmark victory resulted in back pay with interest for affected attorneys and, equally important, established a clear precedent requiring management to properly negotiate future changes to working conditions.
Open Office Design Critique
We voiced concerns about the VA’s proposed open-office layouts, advocating for productive and employee-centered workspaces.
AFGE Local 17 took a strong stand against VA management’s ill-conceived plan to convert 810 Vermont Ave into an open-office layout, highlighting five critical problems with the proposal. The Union effectively demonstrated how open offices would decrease privacy, increase workplace stress, reduce face-to-face communication, and lead to more distractions and errors. Through careful research and advocacy, Local 17 exposed how this design would particularly impact employees handling sensitive Veterans’ information and compromise productivity. Rather than simply opposing the change, the Union provided evidence-based arguments showing how open offices have failed in other organizations and offered constructive alternatives that would better serve both employees and Veterans.
Performance Standards
By engaging in negotiations and highlighting employee concerns, we influenced proposed changes to performance standards, emphasizing fairness and balance.
During intensive bargaining sessions in 2024, AFGE Local 17’s team skillfully negotiated against management’s proposed changes to attorney performance standards. The Union effectively challenged problematic proposals including the elimination of the issues-track, stricter enforcement of quotas, and unrealistic quality metrics. Through interest-based bargaining and detailed data analysis, Local 17 presented compelling counterproposals that better reflected workplace realities, including advocating for a reduced annual quota of 140 cases and maintaining buffer zones at checkpoints. The Union’s thorough survey of attorney feedback and careful documentation of concerns demonstrated its commitment to ensuring performance standards remain fair and achievable while maintaining high-quality service to Veterans.
Community and Crisis Support
When members faced personal challenges, the union stepped up to provide critical support:
Assistance for Member Tyeas Tillman
A successful GoFundMe campaign rallied support after a devastating house fire.
AFGE Local 17 demonstrated its dedication to supporting members in crisis through its rapid response to help Tyeas Tillman, a union member who lost everything in a devastating electrical fire on January 16, 2024. The Union quickly mobilized support by launching a GoFundMe campaign that successfully raised $6,266 to help Tillman rebuild her life after the Upper Marlboro home fire. Beyond just financial assistance, Local 17 rallied the broader union community to provide emotional support and essential resources, showing how the union serves as an extended family during times of crisis. This coordinated response exemplified the Union’s commitment to standing by its members when they need help most, turning solidarity into meaningful action.
Leave Donation Program
Members generously donated unused leave to colleagues in need, exemplifying the spirit of solidarity.
AFGE Local 17 strengthened its support network through the active management of the Leave Donation Program, facilitating crucial assistance for members facing medical and personal challenges. Going beyond simply advertising donation needs, the Union took a hands-on approach by helping members navigate the complex OPM Voluntary Leave Transfer Program forms and connecting donors with recipients. The program demonstrated particular success during the end-of-year “use or lose” period, when Local 17 encouraged members to convert potentially forfeited leave into meaningful support for colleagues in need. This initiative highlights how the Union transforms workplace benefits into tangible expressions of solidarity, ensuring no member faces difficult times alone.
Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
AFGE Local 17 continued to advocate for ethical leadership and meaningful organizational change:
The Illusion of Progress
We critically examined leadership’s narrative around All Employee Survey scores, calling for genuine accountability and reform.
Leadership at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals has celebrated improved All Employee Survey (AES) scores, but a deeper analysis reveals a troubling pattern. While the scores might reflect progress on the surface, they obscure systemic issues that persist within the organization. Despite minor improvements, the Board remains ranked among the lowest in federal agencies for employee satisfaction, with metrics on senior leadership, trust, and motivation trailing behind past levels. The union, however, has been instrumental in cutting through this illusion by advocating for transparency and accountability. AFGE Local 17 has highlighted the disconnect between leadership’s narrative and employees’ lived realities, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are not ignored. Through relentless advocacy, the union continues to push for meaningful reforms to rebuild trust and foster a genuinely positive work environment.
Data-Driven Advocacy
Through comprehensive analysis of survey results, we identified systemic issues and proposed actionable solutions.
Through meticulous analysis of AES results, significant systemic issues within the Board of Veterans’ Appeals have been brought to light. The union has taken a leading role in this effort, hiring data experts to analyze the survey results and uncover patterns that would otherwise remain hidden. This analysis revealed a disconnect between leadership and employees, compounded by ineffective communication and a lack of accountability. Using these insights, the union has proposed actionable solutions to address workload imbalances, leadership challenges, and declining employee engagement. By combining data-driven advocacy with a commitment to employee welfare, AFGE Local 17 ensures that the concerns of the workforce are not only heard but also acted upon to drive meaningful organizational change.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Determination
As we anticipate the potential challenges of the incoming administration, AFGE Local 17 remains steadfast in its mission. While policy changes may test our resolve, the foundation we have built through our advocacy, education, and community support will guide us forward. Together, we have demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of standing united in the face of adversity.
Let us enter 2025 with renewed energy and a shared commitment to advancing the rights, well-being, and dignity of all members. We thank each of you for your contributions to this incredible year and look forward to achieving even greater victories in the months ahead.
