House Passes H.R. 2550 to Restore Bargaining Rights for VA Nurses

House Approves Bill for Collective Bargaining Rights for VA Nurses and Federal Workers

National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States, has expressed approval for the recent passage of the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill received bipartisan support with 211 Democrats and 20 Republicans voting in favor.

The legislation aims to reinstate collective bargaining rights for VA nurses and other federal employees, impacting an estimated 231 congressional members who supported the measure. This development is considered a significant move towards safeguarding the rights of federal workers who are crucial in delivering essential services, particularly at Veterans Health Administration facilities nationwide.

Nurses emphasize the importance of collective bargaining agreements for federal workers, including the 15,000 nurses represented by NNU at VA facilities. Such union protections are deemed essential for advocating safe working conditions and ensuring high-quality care for veterans.

The introduction of the Protect America’s Workforce Act was prompted by actions during the Trump administration, which issued executive orders in March and August, stripping over a million union workers of their bargaining rights. NNU and other unions argue that these orders overstepped presidential authority and falsely portrayed unionized federal workers as a national security threat. The unions believe the real intention was to suppress the voice of workers, especially nurses, while advancing policies favoring the privatization of the VA.

NNU is now urging the U.S. Senate to pass this vital legislation to reinstate collective bargaining protections for unionized federal employees.

National Nurses United is recognized as the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S., with over 225,000 members nationwide. Its affiliates include the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

---
Read More USA Works News