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VA Reinstates AFGE Master Agreement Following Federal Court Enforcement Order

BULLETIN


A United States District Judge in Rhode Island has moved to enforce a preliminary injunction requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to restore its collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Following a series of attempts by the VA to terminate the agreement, the department issued a formal memorandum on March 30, 2026, instructing all officials to immediately resume compliance with the 2023 Master Agreement after being threatened with contempt. See, NVAC & AFGE Local 2305 v. U.S. Dep't of Veterans Affs., No. 1:25-cv-583-MRD-PAS (D.R.I. Mar. 27, 2026).


Key Guidance and Court Directives


  • Mandatory Reinstatement: Pursuant to court orders issued on March 13 and March 27, 2026, the August 8, 2023, VA-AFGE Master Collective Bargaining Agreement remains applicable and binding in both form and substance.

  • Rescission of Termination: VA officers and employees are instructed not to give any force or effect to the letter issued by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on March 26, 2026, which attempted to re-terminate the CBA.

  • Broad Coverage: The reinstatement includes all amendments, local supplemental agreements, past practices, and memoranda of understanding at all levels.

  • Grievance Processing: All currently pending grievances and arbitrations submitted under the Master CBA will continue to be processed in accordance with the agreement’s provisions.

  • Compliance Deadline: The court has required the VA to prove compliance with the injunction by April 1, 2026.


Read the VA Guidance Issued March 30, 2026



Context and Enforcement of VA Master Agreement


Judge Melissa DuBose issued the preliminary injunction after finding that the VA's initial termination of the contract in August 2025 likely violated the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Despite a technical reinstatement earlier this month, the union reported that management continued to refuse to honor contract provisions, leading to a motion to enforce the injunction.


The court characterized the VA's last-minute attempt to "re-terminate" the agreement on March 26 as a "blatant violation" and a "disrespect for the rule of law". In addition to the enforcement order, the agency must submit arguments by Tuesday explaining why it should not be held in contempt of court.


What This Means


For employees covered by the VA-AFGE Master Agreement, this development, on the surface, appears to ensure that workplace protections, grievance rights, and union representation remain intact. Management is strictly prohibited from bypassing contract terms, and the VA remains committed to full compliance with the court’s orders while it explores potential appeals.


HOWEVER, the VA has eliminated all previously covered bargaining unit employees converting their BUS codes to 8888. The VA LMR guidance, provides no instruction to reverse those changes.

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