Court Orders Restoration of AFGE VA Collective Bargaining Agreement

Major union rights update for VA employees: A federal court has ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to restore AFGE/NVAC’s collective bargaining agreement and related local agreements.

On March 13, 2026, Judge Melissa R. DuBose of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted AFGE/NVAC’s motion for a preliminary injunction and ordered VA to reinstate the contract framework it terminated on August 6, 2025.

What the Court Ordered

• Reinstatement of the Master Collective Bargaining Agreement (Master CBA)
• Reinstatement of any amendments, local supplemental agreements, and memoranda of understanding tied to the Master CBA
• These protections remain in effect for the remainder of the agreed contract term while litigation continues

Why This Matters for Hampton VA Employees

• Contract rights and procedures are back in force under court order
• Local labor-management protections that were stripped are now restored
• Employees and stewards should expect management compliance with CBA obligations

Important Context

This is a preliminary injunction, not the final end of the case. But the court’s order is active now and must be followed while the case proceeds.

What Members Should Do Now

1. Document issues immediately. If management refuses restored contract rights, keep records and notify your union rep.
2. Use your restored procedures. Weingarten rights, grievance procedures, and negotiated protections should be treated as in effect.
3. Report compliance problems quickly. AFGE Local 2328 is tracking implementation issues at Hampton VAMC.

Sources

• Court Order (PDF): AFGE Local 2305 / AFGE NVAC v. VA (Doc. 30, Mar. 13, 2026)
• AFGE National Release

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