VETERANS: Harder Demands Answers on Restoration of Union Rights at NorCal VA

August 28, 2026 Press Release Federal judge ruled in March that collective bargaining rights at the VA must be reinstated AFGE Local 1206 reports that months later, these rights have still not been restored STOCKTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) called on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to respond to concerns that union rights at local VA facilities are not being upheld. Harder led nine regional colleagues in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins demanding answers on the VA’s progress to comply with a federal order requiring collective bargaining rights to be restored. In March, a federal district court judge ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs to reinstate its Master Collective Bargaining Agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Those agreements provide for collective bargaining rights like official time for authorized union representatives and access to union office space and equipment. However, AFGE Local 1206, which represents bargaining unit employees within the VA Northern California Health Care System, has raised concerns that these rights have still not been fully restored. “We take seriously the concerns raised by union representatives, particularly in light of the ongoing litigation regarding the termination of the Master Collective Bargaining Agreement. Indeed, on August 7, 2026, the federal district court issued a further order requiring the agreement to remain in effect pursuant to its continuation provisions,” wrote the Members . “To better understand the circumstances and VA Northern California Health Care System's implementation of the reinstated agreement, we respectfully request responses to these concerns.” Key demands of the Members to be provided no later than September 11, 2026: Steps taken to fully implement the March court order and restore collective bargaining rights at the VA Northern California Health Care System. Details of any incidents of union representatives being denied pay or access to union space and equipment while performing union representational duties. Steps taken to resolve outstanding disagreements between the VA Northern California Health Care System and AFGE Local 1206 regarding the bargaining agreement. Read the full letter here . ### Issues : Veterans