VA Defies Court Order on Union Contract; 300,000 Employees Denied Contractual Benefits

Despite a federal court's preliminary injunction ordering restoration of the AFGE collective bargaining agreement, the Department of Veterans Affairs continues denying workplace protections and benefits to more than 300,000 employees. The VA argued the judge's ruling was unclear regarding implementation while the underlying executive order remained in effect. Specific denials include withholding parental leave and fair disciplinary procedures; one VA employee who recently gave birth was told extended maternity leave could not be provided because 'the union has not been reinstated.' AFGE President Everett Kelley stated 'Secretary Collins cannot tell a federal judge one thing and then pretend he doesn't understand what the ruling means' and announced plans to return to court.