The Impact of Trump’s Union-Busting on Veterans Affairs

In August 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the termination of most collective bargaining agreements with major unions, significantly impacting nearly 370,000 employees. This move, framed by the VA as a means to "shift resources" back to veterans, has drawn criticism for undermining the workforce that supports veteran care. The affected unions include the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Association of Government Employees, the National Federation of Federal Employees, the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United, and the Service Employees International Union.

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Historically, union rights have provided federal employees with a mechanism to improve workplace conditions and report misconduct. The recent actions by the Trump administration, including an executive order aimed at stripping union rights from nearly one million federal employees, have been described as one of the most significant attacks on labor rights in U.S. history. The termination of union contracts at multiple agencies, including the VA, has raised concerns about the future of federal services and employee morale.

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Labor leaders and critics argue that the dismantling of union rights will lead to increased turnover, decreased morale, and a decline in the quality of services provided to veterans. The AFGE has emphasized that unions play a critical role in advocating for safe staffing levels and ensuring that veterans receive adequate care. Critics assert that the VA's actions signal a broader agenda to privatize veteran care by weakening the workforce that currently supports it.

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In response to the termination of collective bargaining agreements, labor advocates have called for the passage of the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which aims to restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees. Supporters of the act, including bipartisan members of Congress, argue that collective bargaining is essential for maintaining high morale and effective service delivery within federal agencies. The AFL-CIO has also condemned the administration's actions, labeling them as radical and detrimental to the rights of federal employees.

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While the VA claims that reclaiming office space and terminating union contracts will enhance service delivery, critics argue that the absence of a robust workforce will ultimately hinder the agency's ability to provide care. The administration's assertion of reallocating $39 million to veterans has been met with skepticism, as it is viewed as insufficient compared to the scale of the workforce reduction and the needs of veterans.

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• “The supposed savings aren’t even enough to employ five doctors full-time over the course of their careers.” — Rolling Stone Article

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• “Silencing them undercuts a crucial check on the system and will ultimately mark the beginning of the end for the VA on which most veterans have come to rely.” — Rolling Stone Article

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• “Union rights provide federal employees a way to improve their workplaces and report wrongdoing.” — The Hill

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• “For sure, we are going to fight for our existence. It’s very unsettling and very disturbing that the Ninth Circuit issued the ruling that they issued. I don’t think that any president should have any unfettered authority that goes unchecked” — Everett Kelley, AFGE National President

Democratic electoralism won’t defeat Trumpism

As Congress reconvenes, the Protect America’s Workforce Act is expected to be a focal point of discussion, with advocates urging immediate action to restore union rights. The long-term implications of the VA's actions on veteran care and federal employee morale remain to be seen, as labor leaders emphasize the need for a robust response to counteract the administration's union-busting efforts.

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