Scott Statement on Latest Trump Administration Attack on Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Workforce, issued the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it would terminate collective bargaining agreements for most VA bargaining-unit employees.
“When workers come together to bargain, they earn higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. Unions represent and benefit all workers regardless of whether they are in the bargaining unit or not, and unions protect all employees from retaliation and discrimination, and guard against favoritism by management.
“VA Secretary Doug Collins stripping employees of their bargaining rights is the latest salvo in the Trump Administration’s war on veterans and working people. Veterans benefit from a VA that is staffed by workers that are well-compensated, properly trained, and who work in a safe environment.
“The VA is already facing severe staffing issues, largely due to the Trump Administration’s ongoing attacks on the federal workforce in recent months. Had the administration consulted with the unions representing federal employees at the VA and other agencies, they would have been informed that blanket hiring freezes and chaotic firings are inefficient and ultimately harmful to the people they are meant to serve. Our veterans deserve better. I will continue to defend VA workers’ rights, work to ensure the VA has the resources it needs to take care of our veterans, and fight to protect veterans’ access to health care.”
# # #
Press Contact
Austin Barbera, (202) 225-8351
Next Article Previous Article