Ranking Member Takano Applauds Judge’s Decision to Restore Collective Bargaining Agreements for VA Employees

WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano released the following statement following Judge Melissa DuBose’s decision to grant the American Federation of Government Employees National Veterans Affairs Council’s (AFGE/NVAC) motion for a preliminary injunction regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) decision to terminate VA collective bargaining agreements.

“American workers win again,” said Ranking Member Takano. “This ruling marks a major step in combating the efforts by this administration and VA Secretary Collins to circumvent federal employee rights and undermine the workforce veterans rely on for the care and benefits they have earned. The right to collectively bargain is a fundamental protection enshrined in law. Unions strengthen VA’s workforce and support accountability by ensuring the quality care veterans deserve. I join VA employee unions, including AFGE/NVAC, in fighting for employee rights. I urge Secretary Collins to abandon any appeal of Judge DuBose’s decision and immediately reinstate all collective bargaining agreements at VA.”

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