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🔄 VA Pulls Back on Massive Layoffs—Still Cutting 30,000 by Attrition
The VA has reversed course on its original plan for sweeping layoffs under the DOGE initiative. Instead of the proposed 83,000 job cuts, VA Secretary Doug Collins announced the agency will reduce its workforce by approximately 30,000 employees by the end of the fiscal year, using retirements, attrition, and deferred resignations only—no formal RIFs or firings .
- Staff down from 484K to 467K between January and June.
- Another estimated 12K departures by September will complete the 30K cut.
- Collins praised the shift as evidence VA can improve services without forcing layoffs, citing better disability processing and EHR upgrades.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal warns this “natural attrition” still reflects a toxic work environment fueling exits, while Senate Veterans’ Affairs Chair Jerry Moran called it a positive pivot toward prioritizing veterans .
đź“Ł What This Means for Local 2328 Members
- Short-term relief—no sudden RIFs or pink slips—gives members more time to prepare and contest any changes.
- Ongoing staffing losses still risk overwork, burnout, and service delays—especially at Hampton VAMC.
- Your voices helped force this shift. But monitor department-wide morale and resource strain—and stay ready to push back if “attrition” becomes a cover for neglect or hidden cuts.