What’s at Stake for VA Union Rights
On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order that delivers a devastating blow to VA union rights. By falsely designating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a “national security” agency, the order strips collective bargaining rights from tens of thousands of public servants—many of whom are attorneys, policy analysts, HR professionals, and other staff with no ties to intelligence or classified operations.
This isn’t just a bad policy—it’s unlawful.
This Order Violates Federal Labor Law
Federal law, under the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, guarantees VA union rights. Congress enacted these protections to ensure that federal employees can bargain collectively, address workplace issues, and advocate for the Veterans they serve. This Executive Order disregards that law, upending decades of labor stability across the federal workforce.
The VA Is Not a National Security Agency
The VA’s mission is not national security. It’s caring for Veterans. The employees affected by this order are the ones who support our nation’s heroes every day—handling benefits, managing health care systems, and making sure Veterans and their families receive the support they deserve. Stripping their union rights is a direct threat to the quality and stability of that mission.
Even worse, the justification for eliminating VA union rights is built on contradictions. These same employees are not protected under national security exceptions during layoffs—yet suddenly they’re considered national security risks when it comes to silencing their voices at work? That’s not national security. That’s union-busting.
Stripping VA Union Rights Will Harm Veterans
This overreach will only harm the VA and the Veterans it serves. Lower morale, higher turnover, and fewer mechanisms for resolving disputes will all lead to worse outcomes for those who rely on the VA every day.
We must act now to defend VA union rights.
Take 3 Minutes to Make a Difference
👉 Take just 3 minutes to stand up for VA workers and the Veterans they serve: Click here to send a letter to your Member of Congress through Action Network. You can also click the button below. The letter is pre-written, fully editable, and sent directly to your representatives.
Congress needs to hear from us—loud and clear. Tell them to oppose this Executive Order and restore VA union rights.
When we protect the rights of those who serve Veterans, we protect the future of the VA itself.
