Story perspectives

Federal Judge Orders VA to Reinstate Union Agreement

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal Judge Melissa DuBose in Rhode Island ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to restore its collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), affecting over 300,000 employees.
DuBose criticized the VA for not implementing the contract's provisions and labeled its attempts to re-terminate the agreement as a "blatant disregard" for her ruling.
The VA contends it must comply with a Trump-era executive order that limits collective bargaining rights, while AFGE argues this undermines employee protections.
The VA has until April 1 to explain its actions to the court.

History

Historical Context

In 2018, President Trump signed Executive Order 13837, limiting collective bargaining rights for federal employees, affecting over 300,000 workers and organizations like the American Federation of Government Employees. This order sparked significant disputes over employee protections, culminating in Judge Melissa DuBose's recent ruling against the VA, which may influence future negotiations between federal agencies and labor unions regarding workers' rights.

1 of 2

Story summary

Federal Judge Melissa DuBose in Rhode Island ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to restore its collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), affecting over 300,000 employees.
DuBose criticized the VA for not implementing the contract's provisions and labeled its attempts to re-terminate the agreement as a "blatant disregard" for her ruling.
The VA contends it must comply with a Trump-era executive order that limits collective bargaining rights, while AFGE argues this undermines employee protections.
The VA has until April 1 to explain its actions to the court.

1 / 2