New bill aims to lift union restrictions at the VA – By Jessie Bur (The Federal Times) / Mar 16 2021
Medical staff working at Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities would have greater collective bargaining protections when it comes to patient care, under legislation introduced in the House and Senate March 16.
The VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, aims to remove certain provisions of U.S. Code that prohibit collective bargaining on professional conduct or competence, peer review and adjustments to employee compensation.
“Expanding the right to collectively bargain is one of the most important tools we can use to empower these workers and ensure they have a voice in the workplace,” said Brown in a news release.
“It means these essential workers can advocate for patient safety and improved health-care coverage, they can earn higher wages and they can have more paid time off, which will improve our veterans’ care and strengthen local economies, families and communities.”
