Larson, Blumenthal Call Out Trump Attacks on Veterans Care and Workers at the Newington VA
Newington, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) visited the Newington VA campus to call out the Trump Administration’s illegal termination of collective bargaining for workers, the cancellation of approved maternity leave for expecting parents, and ‘DOGE’ mass firings that have created severe staff shortages at every VA facility nationwide.
“Under President Trump, our veterans and workers are suffering – his administration is on pace to cut 30,000 workers by the end of September, making it more difficult for veterans to receive the care they need,” said Larson. “Their illegal termination of collective bargaining has led to a culture of fear, intimidation, and retaliation – further eroding the workforce that cares for our veterans. Just last week, the Trump VA even moved to end maternity leave for new and expecting parents. We will not stand by and let our workers be trampled on by this administration – many of whom are veterans themselves. These attacks on our nation’s veterans and the dedicated workforce that serves them must not stand.”
“Secretary Collins has cancelled VA union contracts—stripping essential whistleblower and advocacy rights from 80 percent of the workforce. Unions are being punished for speaking up for their members and for veterans. This retaliation and retribution by the Trump Administration will only harm our vets,” said Blumenthal.
“The Trump Administration claims to support veterans, yet it’s cutting the VA and crucial services they depend on,” said Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne. “Around 30 percent of the federal workforce, which they aim to reduce, is comprised of military veterans. Like every working person, the workers at the VA deserve the protection of a union contract. This is yet another example of the administration’s attack on workers, and the labor movement stand united to ensure these workers receive the representation they’ve earned and deserve.”
“On August 6th, the VA terminated our collective bargaining agreements. When confronted about ripping up employee union contracts, Secretary Collins responded, ‘I don't care.’ This callous attitude reveals everything about this administration's priorities,” said AFGE Local 2138 President Sandra Salmon. “Our AFGE Local 2138 is under siege, but we will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. And we will not abandon the veterans who depend on us. Our local has retained legal counsel to fight for our members' rights. We believe these actions violate established federal labor law, and we are prepared to take this fight to the courts - all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. This isn't just about union rights - it's about the veterans who depend on quality care, the families of federal workers who serve our communities, and the principle that working people deserve a voice in their workplace. We will continue to fight until justice prevails and our rights under federal law are restored.”
“Make no mistake – this is not about national security, but retaliation and retribution to the federal unions, specifically AFGE, for standing up for what’s right and opposing the Administration’s attempt to destroy and weaken federal agencies and institutions and the very pillars that they stand on – to privatize services to profit corporations. Terminating our rights enshrined in law by Congress to have a voice in the workplace through collective bargaining and justice against unjust actions will only result in hindering the outstanding care VA employees provide. Today, the atmosphere of fear, injustice, and lower morale, at the end of the day, will be paid for through the veterans we serve,” said AFGE National Representative Timothy McLaughlin.
“I believe in the VA mission to serve those who have served, and I know firsthand that they cannot cut support staff, care workers, and administrators without that mission coming under threat,” said U.S. Army veteran Sherri Vogt. “One-third of the staff at the VA are veterans transitioning to a civilian life of service, and they should be honored and supported for continuing that mission. I proudly stand with my fellow veterans and our Congressional delegation to call for action to invest in our staff at the Newington VA – and prevent cuts to the mission-critical positions our veterans rely on.”
At the direction of Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE,’ the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is on pace to cut 30,000 workers by the end of this year, including doctors and nurses. Earlier this month, the Trump Administration illegally terminated collective bargaining agreements for 400,000 VA workers, including AFGE and SEIU members in Connecticut. The Administration also moved to cancel maternity leave for VA workers, including mothers expected to give birth as soon as this week. Rep. Larson is a cosponsor of the Protecting America’s Workforce Act, to restore collective bargaining rights to federal workers, and the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, to reinstate veteran federal workers that were fired by ‘DOGE.’
Rep. Larson and Senator Blumenthal have been demanding answers. Larson recently sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins condemning his union-busting and calling for a report on the impact these cuts are having on care at the Newington VA. Since sending his letter, an independent Inspector General report came out detailing severe staff shortages at every VA facility nationwide.
Photos from today’s press conference are available HERE.