AFGE Local 2280 Responds to VA's Termination of Union Contracts
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
On August 8, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the termination of collective bargaining agreements covering thousands of VA employees across the country, including the employees represented by AFGE Local 2280 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.
For many employees, the announcement created immediate uncertainty.
As Local 2280 Vice President Wyatt Gibler explained during a rally held just days later, "Here on the local level, I just know employees are confused, the local is confused and management is confused."
The abrupt termination of these agreements left many employees with questions about workplace protections, grievance procedures, representation rights, and what changes might come next. While employees remained committed to serving veterans, there was significant concern about how the loss of collective bargaining rights could affect the workforce moving forward.
In response, AFGE Local 2280 joined veterans, labor organizations, and community supporters on August 11, 2025, outside the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center to raise awareness about the impact of the decision and stand in support of the employees who serve our nation's veterans every day.
During the rally, union representatives spoke about the role collective bargaining has historically played in ensuring employees have a voice in the workplace. These agreements established processes for addressing workplace concerns, advocating for safe staffing levels, resolving disputes, and improving working conditions—all while supporting the mission of providing quality care to veterans.
Local 2280 also expressed concerns about what the future could hold for employees if those protections were removed. As Gibler noted during the event, "Just recently, they announced that RIFs were no longer in plan, that they reached their quota of how many employees they wanted. But now, without the union standing in their way, I do fear for employees' jobs."
The rally was not about politics. It was about ensuring that the employees who dedicate their careers to serving veterans continue to have a voice in their workplace and the ability to advocate for themselves and the veterans they serve.
At the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, AFGE Local 2280 members proudly serve veterans across one of the largest VA catchment areas in the nation. Our members understand that supporting employees and supporting veterans are not competing priorities—they are connected. A strong, experienced workforce is essential to delivering the quality care and services our veterans have earned.
While the termination of collective bargaining agreements created significant challenges, Local 2280 remains committed to advocating for employees, protecting workplace rights, and ensuring that veterans continue to receive the highest level of care possible.
The August 11 rally demonstrated that even in uncertain times, our members remain united in their commitment to veterans, to one another, and to the principles of fairness and accountability that have long strengthened the VA workforce.
AFGE Local 2280 will continue standing up for the employees who serve our veterans and working to ensure their voices are heard.
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