Welcome to the very first episode of the AFGE Local 17 Podcast — where we keep you informed, connected, and empowered as federal employees. The podcast is currently published on Spotify, but we are planning to expand to further podcatcher apps so that you can soon listen to the podcast on the app of your choice. Our mission is simple: to ensure VA employees have the support, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive in their roles and maintain a fair work-life balance.
While you’re visiting AFGELocal17.org, don’t forget to explore our important resources, news updates, and even learn how to join Local 17. Membership has its perks, and your support makes everything we do possible.
Table of Contents
Introducing the Podcast
We’re excited to announce the launch of the AFGE Local 17 Podcast! In this inaugural episode, we delve into one of the most pressing topics facing VA employees: the future of telework. This podcast episode covers the same content as the article you’re reading now, offering a brand new way for our valued union members to stay informed and engaged with issues that matter most to you. Be sure to listen to the embedded podcast above, and don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify and other platforms as we expand.
Today’s Focus: The Future of Telework
Telework is one of the most critical issues facing VA employees today. Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, telework has proven to be a game-changer. Federal employees demonstrated they could maintain — and in many cases, increase — productivity while working remotely. This success shattered old assumptions about “butts in seats” equaling work done. For over four years, VA employees have met and exceeded expectations.
But telework isn’t just about productivity. It’s also about work-life balance. It’s about retaining skilled employees, reducing burnout, and ensuring federal workers can meet their personal obligations while still serving the Veterans who rely on them.
Let’s be clear — telework isn’t a perk anymore. It’s a necessity. It benefits employees, Veterans, and U.S. taxpayers alike.
Telework Under Threat: What’s Happening?
Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way. There’s been growing chatter that the incoming administration may push to eliminate telework for federal employees altogether. While we do not believe that this extreme outcome is likely at the VA Central Office, we must be prepared for attempts to reduce telework days for certain workgroups.
What About the Board of Veterans’ Appeals?
If you’re part of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), you’re in one of the most secure positions when it comes to telework. Here’s why:
- Office Space Limitations: When the Board moved to 425 I Street in 2012, they occupied 4.5 floors. Today, that has been reduced to just 1.5 floors. Simply put, there’s not enough room to bring everyone back into the office — even if leadership wanted to.
- Impact on Veterans’ Claims: Forcing BVA employees back to the office would create a massive backlog of Veterans’ claims. Veterans would be forced to wait even longer for the benefits they have earned, and no administration — regardless of its political leanings — wants to see those headlines splashed across the front page.
What About Non-BVA Employees?
If you work in other divisions of the VA, the situation could be more challenging. While we do not foresee a complete end to telework, there is a strong possibility that the new administration will push for reduced telework days.
Local 17 Is Ready to Defend Your Rights
Here’s how:
- Master Agreement Protections: Our Master Agreement remains in effect for another two years, and it supersedes executive orders. In other words, while a president can issue executive orders, our collective bargaining agreement holds more legal weight.
- Grievance and Arbitration: Local 17 will continue to use the grievance and arbitration procedures to challenge any unlawful attempts to reduce telework. We have already seen how these procedures are essential for enforcing our rights.
Case in Point:
Remember Secretary McDonough’s 50% in-office mandate? This mandate clearly violated the Master Agreement — a document that McDonough himself was the first to sign. If a self-proclaimed “pro-union” Secretary can violate our agreement, it’s clear that the new administration may be even more aggressive. That’s why Local 17 is taking this issue to arbitration in February 2025. While we don’t expect a decision until June or July 2025, we are confident in the merits of our case.
Why Can SSA Keep Telework, but the VA Can’t?
Many members have asked, “If the Social Security Administration (SSA) can extend their telework agreements beyond the Trump administration, why can’t the VA?”
The answer is simple: leadership. Unlike the VA, SSA leadership actually supports labor and employee well-being. For the past four years, we’ve seen a clear difference between what Secretary McDonough says and what Secretary McDonough does. Despite his pro-union rhetoric, his actions have been hostile to labor.
However, it’s worth noting that AFGE National President Everett Kelley is stepping up. As a respected negotiator and key figure in Washington, President Kelley has already reached out to Secretary McDonough in good faith, seeking an extension of the current Master Agreement.
Will McDonough respond positively? We’re hopeful, but we’re also realistic. Given his track record, we are not holding our breath.
What Happens Next?
Regardless of what happens with the new administration or Secretary McDonough, AFGE Local 17 will continue to fight. Our strategy is simple:
- Hold the Department Accountable: We will challenge violations of our Master Agreement, just as we’ve done with the 50% in-office mandate.
- Enforce Our Contract: Our Master Agreement supersedes any executive order. It gives us a solid foundation to defend telework rights.
- Keep Members Informed: We’ll continue to update you as developments unfold. Our grievance hearing is scheduled for February 2025, and we’ll share the outcome as soon as it’s available.
- Empower Our Members: Your support — as dues-paying members — gives us the resources to fight these battles. Your contributions allow us to take these issues to arbitration, challenge harmful directives, and protect telework for all employees at the VA.
Final Thoughts
The future of telework at the VA is far from certain, but one thing is clear — Local 17 will never stop fighting for you. Telework isn’t just about convenience. It’s about productivity, health, family balance, and fairness.
If you haven’t already, consider joining Local 17. Your dues are what give us the power to challenge violations of our contract, pursue arbitration, and hold VA leadership accountable. These dues also allow us to explore new ways of engaging with our members, like the podcast embedded above.
Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of the AFGE Local 17 Podcast. We’ll be back soon with more updates, analysis, and insight. Until then, stay connected, stay strong, and stay engaged.
