Weekly Federal Labor Roundup — VA & AFGE News (October 9–16, 2026)

It was a hard week for anyone who works under a federal union contract, and the biggest story landed in our own house: the Department of Veterans Affairs let the master agreement expire for most of its employees. Here is what happened over the past seven days, and what it means for us at Hampton.

VA & Veterans

• The Department of Veterans Affairs allowed the union contract to expire for most of its employees. Government Executive reports that VA let the master agreement lapse rather than bargain a successor, stripping contractual protections from most bargaining-unit staff across the department. Read more
• The American Federation of Government Employees says it is prepared to fight VA’s latest attempt to terminate the contract. AFGE, our national union, called the move unlawful and says it will challenge it through every legal and legislative channel available. Read more
• Leading Democrats are pressing VA for answers on a $17 billion increase to the electronic health record modernization contract. Nextgov reports lawmakers want to know why the price tag for the new records system keeps climbing while front-line staffing stays tight. Read more
• An indicted and suspended non-union Florida company is still in line for eight VA contracts. The Labor Beacon found the firm remains a contender for VA work despite being suspended from federal contracting, raising questions about who is vetting the vendors that serve veterans. Read more

Threats to Federal Workers’ Protections

• The Bureau of Prisons terminated its union contract even though a court ordered the agreement reinstated. AFGE reports that prison management tore up the contract anyway — the same playbook now being used at VA. Read more
• The Social Security Administration’s move to end flexible work schedules violates its union contract. AFGE says the agency changed working conditions without bargaining, and has filed to stop it. Read more
• AFGE is asking the public to stand with Transportation Security Administration officers whose bargaining rights are under attack. Screeners lost collective bargaining coverage, and the union is running a public campaign to restore it. Read more
• The administration quietly hired political appointees under a brand-new job classification. Government Executive, citing a good-government watchdog, reports on “Schedule G” appointments that place political hires into roles once held by career civil servants. Read more

Union Wins & the Bigger Picture

• A court ordered the Department of Agriculture to stop its reorganization. AFGE reports the judge halted the agency’s restructuring and employee relocation plans in a lawsuit brought by unions, nonprofits, cities, and counties — proof that these fights can be won. Read more
• Federal retirees will see a cost-of-living increase next year. Government Executive has the new cost-of-living adjustment figures for the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. Read more
• AFGE endorsed six Florida candidates ahead of the election. The largest federal employee union is backing candidates it says will defend federal workers’ jobs and bargaining rights. Read more
• Eight midterm races could decide how federal workers are treated next year. Government Executive breaks down the contests where the federal workforce is squarely on the ballot. Read more
• United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain won reelection. Labor Notes reports Fain’s slate swept, keeping one of the country’s most aggressive unions on a fighting course. Read more

Have a question about how any of this affects your job, your schedule, or your rights at Hampton VA Medical Center? Reach out to a steward or contact the local — that is what we are here for.

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