Sen. Durbin, Rep. Garcia to Rally Against VA Cuts, Union Rights Attacks

Rally Planned at Hines VA Medical Center to Oppose Workforce Cuts and Defend Union Rights

In response to proposed workforce reductions and threats to union rights, registered nurses at Hines VA Medical Center in Hines, Illinois, are organizing a rally. The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, will feature participation from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Rep. Chuy Garcia (IL-04), alongside members from various unions and veteran organizations. The rally is a call to reverse plans to cut approximately 80,000 VA positions and to restore full union rights for VA employees, as announced by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU).

Registered nurse Alicia Brown expressed concern over the impact of these measures on veteran care. “Veterans are feeling the real effects of this two-pronged attack on nurses and other federal workers who have dedicated their professional lives to the VA,” she stated. Brown emphasized the commitment of nurses to their patients despite challenges to their union rights. “We intend to make sure [veterans] have access to the highest quality of care at the VA,” she added.

Sen. Durbin highlighted the importance of supporting veterans by ensuring the rights of those who care for them. “Our veterans made the greatest sacrifice when they put their lives on the line to protect our nation,” Durbin said. “The least we can do is ensure they are well taken care of at home.”

What: Rally for veteran care with Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Chuy Garcia, VA nurses, federal workers, and veteran groups

When: Sat. May 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Hines VA Hospital, 5000 S. 5th Ave, Hines, Ill.
Nurses will be gathering outside the main entrance on Roosevelt Road

Background

• An executive order issued on March 27 seeks to limit federal workers’ collective bargaining rights under the pretext of “national security.” However, a fact sheet reveals that this move is in retaliation against federal employee unions.
• In April, NNOC/NNU and other unions filed a lawsuit to contest the executive order.
• The VA Employee Fairness Act, introduced on May 7, aims to secure full bargaining rights for VA nurses and clinical staff who currently cannot negotiate on staffing and workplace issues.

Amid these developments, Secretary Collins has proposed reducing the workforce by 80,000 but has not specified the exact number, stating it “could be more, could be less.” Such reductions could significantly impact patient care, as the Inspector General’s August 2024 report indicates severe nursing shortages in 82% of VA facilities. This potential cutback coincides with the VA’s record enrollment in care.

Nurse Patrick Gavin highlighted existing staffing challenges, noting that reductions in support staff force nurses to perform non-nursing tasks, detracting from patient care. “We are already running from patient to patient; we cannot imagine how we will provide the respectful, dignified care we want to provide with fewer people,” Gavin stated.

Concerns have been raised that these cutbacks may lead to increased privatization of VA services, potentially eroding the quality of care. The VA’s “Red Team” Executive Roundtable analysis warns that privatization could eliminate choice for veterans who prefer VA direct care, as $30 billion was spent on private-sector care in 2023.

NNOC/NNU represents over 1,100 nurses at Hines VA Medical Center and more than 15,000 across 23 VHA facilities nationwide. This rally is a part of a larger campaign that includes events in cities like Atlanta, Manhattan, and San Diego.

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