FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Matt Dorsey
(202) 550-6987
September 25, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) endorses the VA Employee Fairness Act, reintroduced by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) along with nearly 100 cosponsors. The bill was passed by the House during the 117th Congress in a strong bipartisan vote.
“Healthcare providers across the federal government are afforded collective bargaining rights, except for those caring for our nation’s veterans,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “The dedicated nurses, physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and other clinicians serving within the VA deserve the ability to collectively bargain on key topics as it relates to fulfilling their critical mission of providing the very highest standard of care.”
The legislation would repeal current law that prevents Title 38 employees from collectively bargaining over compensation, peer-review, and some matters of professional conduct or competence. In addition, the bill allows VA employees to advocate for better working conditions, improving patient care and increasing the VA’s competitiveness for attracting and retaining the country’s top medical professionals.
“VA professional clinicians must have the opportunity to bring issues affecting veterans’ healthcare to the bargaining table for discussion,” continued Erwin. “When they cannot, veterans suffer. The VA Employee Fairness Act will not only help fill thousands of vacancies within the VA, but it will also enhance healthcare coverage for our veterans. Thank you to Ranking Member Takano for his leadership on this issue. I look forward to working with the House to see that this bill is passed once again.”