An executive order from President Donald Trump has enabled the Department of Veterans Affairs to terminate most collective bargaining agreements for its unionized workforce, a move that could affect up to 400,000 employees nationwide. VA officials say the change will free resources, streamline hiring, and improve accountability, while unions warn it will erode workplace protections, silence whistleblowers, and undermine patient care. Virginia, home to thousands of VA workers and major medical centers, is among the most affected states, and the decision has already sparked political backlash and the prospect of legal challenges.
See "VA ends union contracts for thousands of employees, citing focus on veterans", Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury, August 11, 2025