Judge Restores Collective Bargaining Agreements for VA Employees

Ruling marks a major step in combating efforts to undermine federal employee rights

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction to restore collective bargaining agreements for employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The ruling comes after the VA, under Secretary Collins, moved to terminate these agreements, which Ranking Member Takano and union leaders say are critical to ensuring quality care for veterans and supporting workforce accountability.

Why it matters

This decision is seen as a victory for federal workers' rights, as the right to collectively bargain is a fundamental protection. Unions play a key role in strengthening the VA workforce and supporting accountability, which is vital for providing the care and benefits that veterans have earned.

The details

Judge Melissa DuBose granted the American Federation of Government Employees National Veterans Affairs Council's (AFGE/NVAC) motion for a preliminary injunction, requiring the VA to reinstate all collective bargaining agreements that had been terminated. This ruling blocks the VA's efforts, led by Secretary Collins, to circumvent federal employee rights and undermine the workforce that veterans rely on.

  • On March 13, 2026, Judge Melissa DuBose issued the preliminary injunction.

The players

Mark Takano

Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Melissa DuBose

The federal judge who granted the preliminary injunction.

AFGE/NVAC

The American Federation of Government Employees National Veterans Affairs Council, the union that filed the motion for the preliminary injunction.

Secretary Collins

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, who led the effort to terminate the collective bargaining agreements.

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What they’re saying

“American workers win again. This ruling marks a major step in combating the efforts by this administration and VA Secretary Collins to circumvent federal employee rights and undermine the workforce veterans rely on for the care and benefits they have earned.”

— Mark Takano, Ranking Member, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

What’s next

The judge's decision means the VA must immediately reinstate all collective bargaining agreements that had been terminated. Secretary Collins could potentially appeal the ruling, but Ranking Member Takano has urged him to abandon any appeal and comply with the order.

The takeaway

This court ruling is a significant victory for federal workers' rights and the ability of VA employees to advocate for the quality care and benefits that veterans deserve. It demonstrates the importance of collective bargaining protections, which help strengthen the VA workforce and support accountability.