OPM's new rules can cap how many federal employees are rated Outstanding, starting with this year's reviews. AFGE and other unions have sued to block them. Here's what it means, plus Doug Massey's video on writing a strong self-assessment. afgelocal17.org/opm-forced-d...

You Earned the Rating. But Will You Get It? AFGE Sues Over OPM's Forced Distribution — AFGE Local 17

OPM's forced distribution rule can cap Outstanding ratings in FY26 reviews. AFGE and other unions have sued to block it. Here is what it means for VA employees.

afgelocal17.org

It's performance review season. Your self-assessment isn't paperwork — it's your best chance to make the case for the rating you earned. AFGE Local 17 President Doug Massey shows you how: every element, real evidence, the deadlines, and what to do if you disagree. youtu.be/PY3rVTn3QRc

How to Write a Strong Self-Assessment | AFGE Local 17

YouTube video by AFGE Local 17

youtu.be

A supervisor stood over a VA employee, shook his fist toward her face, and shouted "You work for me." She has been medically unable to work since, and has had to burn her own leave. Local 17 put Secretary Collins on notice. afgelocal17.org/enough-is-en...

Enough Is Enough, Mr. Secretary: Local 17 Draws a Line — AFGE Local 17

After a supervisor's tirade left a VA employee with occupational trauma, she was forced to burn her own leave. Local 17's demand letter to Secretary Collins, in full.

afgelocal17.org

It's performance review season. Your self-assessment isn't paperwork — it's your best chance to make the case for the rating you earned. AFGE Local 17 President Doug Massey shows you how: every element, real evidence, the deadlines, and what to do if you disagree. youtu.be/PY3rVTn3QRc

How to Write a Strong Self-Assessment | AFGE Local 17

YouTube video by AFGE Local 17

youtu.be

VA rescinded a disabled Army veteran's telework accommodation, leaving a 150-mile commute. VA's own Deputy Secretary memo says return-to-office alone is "an insufficient justification for disapproval." We've published it. Read paragraph 4(d). afgelocal17.org/telework-hea...

Telework Heads to Arbitration: What the Evidence Actually Shows — AFGE Local 17

Local 17's telework grievance is headed to arbitration in November. Plus: what 7,463 federal employees said about return-to-office, and an update on Kevin Price's accommodation.

afgelocal17.org

We asked 311 Board of Veterans' Appeals attorneys what VA's new quotas are doing to their work. 97% said the standards raise the risk of factual or legal errors. 93% said they lack time for meaningful de novo review. NOTUS picked up the survey. afgelocal17.org/board-attorn...

Board Attorney Quotas Go National: What 311 Attorneys Told Us — AFGE Local 17

97% of Board attorneys said the new quotas raise the risk of legal errors. NOTUS picked up the survey. Plus: Local 17 wins 100% interim telework for a disabled Veteran at VACO.

afgelocal17.org

A VBA employee faced removal after a PIP. He wasn't in our bargaining unit. Local 17 represented him anyway, because he was a dues-paying member. He kept his job and moved away from that supervisor. The fight to restore his grade continues at MSPB. afgelocal17.org/saving-a-mem...

Saving a Member's Career: A Proposed Removal, Reversed — AFGE Local 17

Local 17 stepped in for a VBA member facing a proposed removal after a PIP. He kept his job and moved away from the supervisor who proposed it. The fight to restore his grade continues at MSPB.

afgelocal17.org

A federal judge blocked the VA from cancelling the Master Agreement with one day to spare. Three attempts, three losses in court. Same week: Local 17 stewards got a member's proposed 10-day suspension rescinded in full. afgelocal17.org/va-master-ag...

VA Master Agreement Survives: 2 Key Wins for Members — AFGE Local 17

Three attempts, three losses. A judge kept the VA Master Agreement alive on August 7, and Local 17 stewards killed a 10-day suspension proposal.

afgelocal17.org

A federal judge blocked the VA from cancelling the Master Agreement with one day to spare. Three attempts, three losses in court. Same week: Local 17 stewards got a member's proposed 10-day suspension rescinded in full. afgelocal17.org/va-master-ag...

VA Master Agreement Survives: 2 Key Wins for Members — AFGE Local 17

Three attempts, three losses. A judge kept the VA Master Agreement alive on August 7, and Local 17 stewards killed a 10-day suspension proposal.

afgelocal17.org

A federal court told VA to restore collective bargaining. Leadership has spent the months since finding ways around the order. 5 brazen examples of ongoing noncompliance — from SF-50 codes to telework to BVA performance standards. afgelocal17.org/va-collectiv...

VA Collective Bargaining Rights: 5 Brazen Ways VA Is Defying Them

VA collective bargaining rights are under attack despite a federal court order. Here are 5 brazen ways VA leadership is still defying Judge DuBose's ruling.

afgelocal17.org

A federal court told VA to restore collective bargaining. Leadership has spent the months since finding ways around the order. 5 brazen examples of ongoing noncompliance — from SF-50 codes to telework to BVA performance standards. afgelocal17.org/va-collectiv...

VA Collective Bargaining Rights: 5 Brazen Ways VA Is Defying Them

VA collective bargaining rights are under attack despite a federal court order. Here are 5 brazen ways VA leadership is still defying Judge DuBose's ruling.

afgelocal17.org

A disabled combat Veteran on our team had his approved telework accommodation stripped under VA's RTO push. He reapplied. They denied him. Now he commutes 2 hours each way. That's illegal. Here are 4 tactics management is using: afgelocal17.org/va-telework-...

VA Telework Accommodation Crackdown: 4 Illegal Tactics

VA telework accommodation crackdown explained. 4 illegal tactics, 30/45-day deadlines, and the legal protections every disabled employee should know.

afgelocal17.org

"A 10-page PowerPoint is not leadership." Congress just exposed severe flaws in the proposed VHA Reorganization. This rushed plan ignores massive staffing shortages and puts Veteran care at risk. Watch AFGE Local 17's video breakdown of the hearing here: 👉 afgelocal17.org/vha-reorgani...

VHA Reorganization Exposed: A Workforce at Risk - AFGE Local 17

Congress raises serious concerns over the proposed VHA reorganization. Learn how inadequate planning and staffing shortages put Veteran care at risk.

afgelocal17.org

"A 10-page PowerPoint is not leadership." Congress just exposed severe flaws in the proposed VHA Reorganization. This rushed plan ignores massive staffing shortages and puts Veteran care at risk. Watch AFGE Local 17's video breakdown of the hearing here: 👉 afgelocal17.org/vha-reorgani...

VHA Reorganization Exposed: A Workforce at Risk - AFGE Local 17

Congress raises serious concerns over the proposed VHA reorganization. Learn how inadequate planning and staffing shortages put Veteran care at risk.

afgelocal17.org

On Thanksgiving, a federal colleague lost 3 family members in a house fire—one a Marine Veteran. 💔 She’s now on Leave Without Pay. We’re testing a new @gofundme.com approach to support VLTP cases. Read her story & help: supportgerline.replit.app Any federal employee can donate. Please share!

Support Gerline R. Fleury Johnson - Leave Donation Campaign

A verified campaign to transfer leave to our colleague following the tragic Thanksgiving Day house fire. Your donated hours help a union family member heal.

supportgerline.replit.app

On Thanksgiving, a federal colleague lost 3 family members in a house fire—one a Marine Veteran. 💔 She’s now on Leave Without Pay. We’re testing a new @gofundme.com approach to support VLTP cases. Read her story & help: supportgerline.replit.app Any federal employee can donate. Please share!

Support Gerline R. Fleury Johnson - Leave Donation Campaign

A verified campaign to transfer leave to our colleague following the tragic Thanksgiving Day house fire. Your donated hours help a union family member heal.

supportgerline.replit.app

A VA nurse lost his life, and the leadership's response fell short. See how AFGE Local 17 is standing up for dignity and justice for Alex Pretti. Read more: afgelocal17.org/alex-pretti-...

Alex Pretti Is Not a Prop: AFGE Local 17 Challenges Secretary Collins to Show Basic Human Decency - AFGE Local 17

AFGE Local 17 stands up for Alex Pretti, rejecting Secretary Collins' response. Read why leadership & humanity matter during this tragedy.

afgelocal17.org

A VA nurse lost his life, and the leadership's response fell short. See how AFGE Local 17 is standing up for dignity and justice for Alex Pretti. Read more: afgelocal17.org/alex-pretti-...

Alex Pretti Is Not a Prop: AFGE Local 17 Challenges Secretary Collins to Show Basic Human Decency - AFGE Local 17

AFGE Local 17 stands up for Alex Pretti, rejecting Secretary Collins' response. Read why leadership & humanity matter during this tragedy.

afgelocal17.org

Join us Jan 13 for a conversation on service and solidarity. ✊🏾 We welcome historian Dr. Blair Kelley @profblmkelley.bsky.social as guest speaker for our annual MLK Day Celebration. 🗓️ Tue, Jan 13 @ 12 PM ET 🔗 Details: afgelocal17.org/afge-local-1...

MLK Day Celebration: Join AFGE Local 17 for a Powerful Moment of Unity - AFGE Local 17

Celebrate Dr. King's legacy! Join AFGE Local 17's virtual MLK Day celebration, featuring historian Dr. Blair Kelley. Register now.

afgelocal17.org

Stand up for your workplace rights! Join the Workplace Rights Rally Jan 14, 12 PM, Upper Senate Park, DC—or take action now from home. Learn more and make your voice count: afgelocal17.org/workplace-ri...

Workplace Rights Rally: Join AFGE Local 17 to Defeat This Insanity - AFGE Local 17

Workplace Rights Rally: Protect collective bargaining and defend employee rights this January 14 in Washington, DC. Make your voice heard!

afgelocal17.org

The VA is quietly rolling back telework accommodations, violating EEOC guidance and putting disabled employees at risk. This mirrors Project 2025's anti-remote work agenda. AFGE Local 17 is fighting back! Read more: afgelocal17.org/roll-back-te...

The VA’s Quiet Push to Roll Back Telework Accommodations - AFGE Local 17

VA employees face new challenges as telework accommodations are reevaluated. Explore the impact of these invasive policies.

afgelocal17.org

🚨 URGENT: With rare bipartisan support, Congress is finally moving to overturn the EO attacking federal workers. This is our best shot to save telework & stop unfair quotas. Take 30 seconds to tell your Rep to vote YES! 👇 afgelocal17.org/chance-to-ov...

We Have a Rare Chance to Overturn the Executive Order. Don't Let It Slip Away. - AFGE Local 17

Rare bipartisan support could finally restore federal bargaining rights! Help Local 17 protect telework and fairness. Email Congress in just 30 seconds.

afgelocal17.org

The countdown is on! ⏳ This Friday, Dec 12, join AFGE Local 17 at Kitchen + Kocktails for our Holiday Party. Open bar, apps, and music await! It's time to relax and celebrate together. 🥂 Don't miss out—get the full scoop and RSVP here: afgelocal17.org/6-details-ab...

6 Absolute Must-Know Details About the Local 17 Holiday Party in DC - AFGE Local 17

Celebrate the season at the Local 17 holiday party on Dec 12 in DC! Enjoy an open bar, appetizers, DJ, and festive fun. RSVP today to save your spot!

afgelocal17.org

Secretary Collins made some promises when he was in front of congress. Do you think he upheld them? VA employees, do you feel cared for? youtu.be/H1CATJDm_fk?...

VA Employees: Do You Feel Cared For?

YouTube video by AFGE Local 17

youtu.be

When you're gutting the federal employee workforce, apparently it's not important to know how they feel about it... 🤔 federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/20...

After months of postponing, OPM opts to fully cancel 2025 FEVS

The cancellation comes after OPM indefinitely delayed FEVS earlier this year, due to the Trump administration’s “urgent” changes for federal employees.

federalnewsnetwork.com

I can't imagine why they'd want to skip the 2025 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey... Any ideas? 🤣 www.govexec.com/oversight/20...

OPM will forego FEVS in 2025, despite law requiring it

The Office of Personnel Management did not answer questions regarding how the federal government will administer a survey of the 16 core Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey questions, which are spelled ...

govexec.com

The VA has terminated all union contracts—including ours—without warning. This attack on workers' rights is about silencing dissent, not national security. We’re fighting back. Stay strong. Stay united. #UnionStrong #AFGE #LOCAL17

The Office of Personnel Management will shrink its workforce by about one-third—roughly 1,000 jobs—this year, primarily through buyouts and retirements, prompting concerns over weakened agency capacity and oversight. Read more: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202... #FederalStaffing #AFGELocal

Following widespread criticism, the Social Security Administration will undergo an independent audit of its call center operations after cutting 7,000 staff—raising alarms about service delays and technology failures affecting seniors. Read more: www.marketwatch.com/story/social... #CustomerService

Over 5,100 USFS firefighting positions—26% of the workforce—are vacant as wildfire season intensifies, raising public safety concerns. Federal workforce shortages continue to challenge agencies nationwide. Read more: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j... #WildfirePreparedness #FederalJobs #AFGELocal

US faces alarming firefighter shortage during peak wildfire season, data reveals

Data contradicts what the fire service chief has claimed when he has assured lawmakers the agency is prepared

theguardian.com