Welcome to AFGE Local 17
AFGE Local 17 is the sole contractual representative for all Bargaining Unit employees for VA Central Office (VACO).
Message from Our President
Dear Members,
As President of AFGE Local 17, I welcome you to our website. AFGE Local 17 values each of its members and strives to provide outstanding representation, advice, and support in furtherance of a fair and equitable workplace.
AFGE Local 17 is staffed with committed officers and stewards who negotiate most aspects of your working conditions, enforce our collective bargaining agreement through the grievance process, and resolve issues through informal dispute resolution. AFGE Local 17 also handles arbitrations and has a strong track record in fighting adverse personnel actions. Additionally, AFGE Local 17 may represent employees before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as well as the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC.)
Above all, AFGE Local 17 is dedicated to fostering involvement and inclusion. We value our diversity, and gain strength from the contributions of our members. I invite you to visit us at the Union office at 810 Vermont Ave., Room B-30, and to join our monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. At these meetings, you can meet other members, learn about Union activities and benefits, and influence Union decisions through the democratic process.
I encourage you to contact me with any concern small or large.
Very best regards,
Douglas Massey,
President
AFGE Local 17
Featured Posts
VACO Safety Protocols
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Community Level for Washington, DC has changed from LOW to MEDIUM. This change results in the following safety protocols for VA Central Office (VACO) effective Monday, May 23, 2022, and until further notice: Read More >>
Announcing Local 17's Attorney Rehabilitation and Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Mission
Any attorney who either feels uncertain about his/her production status or has received a letter of counseling for quantity and/or quality is encouraged to reach out to the Chair of the Attorney Rehabilitation and PIP Committee without delay. Time is of the essence to lay the Groundwork with management for a turnaround. Please click the button below to learn more about the Rehabilitation Committee and how you can get help.
Testimonials
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.