What Will Happen If Congress Shuts Down the Government?
September 25, 2023
A group of House Republicans is ready to shut down the government if their demand for a series of deep budget cuts and conservative policy changes is not met.
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Most Vacancies Are for Doctors and Nurses, Say VA Employees
November 16, 2017
Doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals continue to demand Congress fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs and fill the 49,000 vacancies at VA hospitals nationwide. Understaffing these facilities denies veterans the critical care they deserve and were promised when they signed up to serve our country.
On Nov. 15, a group of AFGE members held signs in front of the Bath VA hospital in New York saying: “No Vet Should Wait in Line,” “Don’t Dismantle My VA,” and “49,000 Vacancies Is a Disgrace.”
"How do we properly care for our veterans?" asked Richard Howard, a veteran and president of AFGE Local 491. "They talk about timely care. They're setting us up for failure and it's not against the local leadership at this VA. They're very good, but their hands are tied. They're tied by Congress and the administration."
Similar demonstrations were held across the country including at the VA hospital in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 14. AFGE Local 1745 President Terry Lendo said most of the 49,000 unfilled jobs are for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
“We want Congress to staff the VA properly,” Lendo said. “We all feel that if the VA is staffed properly it will succeed, thus negating the (need) of privatization.”
VA employees in Temple, Texas, and Winston-Salem, Virginia, also held rallies last week.
Recent AFGE News:
AFGE Urges Congress to Pass Full Year Funding or Clean Short-term Measure
September 25, 2023
We need to stop the shutdown.
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This Is Exactly Why OSHA Needs to Issue Enforceable Heat Standard
September 25, 2023
Even though employers are required by law to protect workers from heat hazard, OSHA has not issued a heat standard that can be enforced and hold employers accountable.
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