Judge blocks Veterans Affairs' third bid to end AFGE bargaining agreement

U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose denied the VA’s latest attempt to terminate its collective bargaining contract with the American Federation of Government Employees.

On the eve of a planned contract termination, U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose approved a motion to enforce her earlier preliminary injunction that preserves collective bargaining at the Veterans Affairs Department. This marks the third time this year the VA has been rebuked for trying to end its deal with the American Federation of Government Employees, a move rooted in President Trump’s March 2025 executive order restricting bargaining at federal agencies.

After a March injunction reversed an August termination notice, the VA issued a new notice and faced updated court orders and a threat of contempt. Although the VA claimed the union missed a 30-day negotiation deadline, the judge dismissed that argument, noting extensive correspondence showing the department’s intent to renegotiate rather than let the contract auto-renew on Aug. 8. AFGE National VA Council President Mary Jean Burke hailed the outcome as evidence that the law supports federal employee unions. The decision maintains the status quo pending further negotiations.