Weekly Federal Labor Roundup — VA & AFGE News (September 11–17, 2026)

This week the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is disputing how arbitration costs are split with our union, even as it tries to stop recognizing us. Staffing problems in VA health care are at a seven-year high, and a federal court paused a new loyalty question for federal job applicants. Here is what members need to know.

VA & Veterans

• VA is disputing how arbitration fees are split with the union it wants to stop recognizing. Government Executive reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is contesting how arbitration costs are shared with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), while it keeps fighting to end its recognition of the union. Read more
• Staffing problems at VA health care facilities have hit a seven-year high. Government Executive reports that VA health care facilities are reporting more staffing shortages than at any time in the past seven years. Many of our members see this on every shift. Read more
• VA will slowly expand its medical AI scribe after successful pilots. Nextgov/FCW reports that VA plans a gradual, wider rollout of an artificial intelligence (AI) scribe that helps clinicians with medical documentation, following pilot programs the agency called successful. Read more
• The VA watchdog is using AI to help compile its audits of health care facilities. Government Executive reports that VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) is using artificial intelligence to help put together its inspections of VA medical facilities. Read more
• VA has started looking for a technology integrator for its health systems. Washington Technology reports that VA has begun searching for a contractor to integrate the technology behind its health care systems. That work could shape the tools our clinical and support staff use every day. Read more

Threats to Federal Workers’ Protections

• Lawmakers are again raising alarms about OPM’s plan to collect employee health records. Government Executive reports that members of Congress have renewed their concerns about the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) plan to collect federal employees’ health records. Read more
• A judge has paused the administration’s “loyalty question” for federal job applicants. People’s World reports that a federal judge has put on hold the Trump administration’s loyalty question on federal job applications, a case AFGE has been following closely. Read more
• Agencies spent nearly $10 billion in 2025 paying federal employees not to work. Government Executive reports on the cost of keeping federal workers off the job last year, including through the deferred resignation program. Read more
• House Republicans on a key committee are pushing to push unions out of politics. People’s World reports that the Republican majority on a House panel is advancing efforts to limit the political voice of labor unions. Read more

Union Wins & the Bigger Picture

• Airport screeners and flight attendants said “Don’t privatize airport security” on the 9/11 anniversary. Labor Notes covers Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners, many of them AFGE members, standing with flight attendants against privatizing airport security on the 25th anniversary of September 11. Read more
• Stewards used the grievance process to win a co-worker the promotion she was owed. Labor Notes’ Stewards Corner explains step by step how one union won a member’s rightful promotion. It’s a useful playbook for our own stewards. Read more
• Walmart workers in Canada made history by winning a union contract. Labor Notes reports that Canadian Walmart workers have secured a union contract, a milestone against one of the world’s largest employers. Read more
• Public support for unions is rising as workers worry about AI taking jobs. Futurism reports on new Gallup polling that shows growing support for labor unions as artificial intelligence threatens more jobs. Read more

Have a question about any of these stories or how they affect you at work? Reach out to your steward or any Local 2328 officer. We’re here for you.

In solidarity,
AFGE Local 2328 — Representing the employees of Hampton VA Medical Center