Reforming Veteran Care in America
In the United States, there’s a strong commitment made to military personnel and women. If you put your life on the line for this country, the expectation is that we’ll support you when you return home. Unfortunately, this assurance has often been compromised by federal systems that prioritize union interests over the needs of veterans.
This year, however, there’s been a significant shift. Veterans Secretary Doug Collins has established a new collective bargaining agreement affecting the majority of the 430,000 union employees within the department. This move aligns with a Presidential Order from March aimed at prioritizing veterans, streamlining employment, enhancing accountability, and tackling union hurdles that divert resources from patient care.
The VA can now operate as it was originally meant to for the first time in many years.
For decades, outdated contractual agreements restricted VA managers, making it difficult for them to reward high achievers or let go of underperformers. In fact, there were cases where employees were kept on despite serious misconduct simply to protect union interests, no matter the cost to the veterans.
The US Government Employee Federation stood out as particularly obstructive, opposing bipartisan efforts like the 2018 Mission Act, which enabled veterans to seek private healthcare when VA facilities couldn’t meet their needs. While that legislation aimed to cut down wait times, the union resisted because it challenged their authority over the workforce.
The union’s focus didn’t lie in improving care; rather, it was about maintaining power.
The financial ramifications of that power were staggering. In 2024 alone, VA union officials logged over 750,000 taxpayer-funded “official hours,” directing government funds toward union activities rather than veteran services. Some individuals reportedly earned over $200,000 annually without fulfilling any obligations to the VA. Such misallocation of resources truly undermined the mission to serve veterans.
Now, thanks to Collins’ reforms, a new culture is taking shape. By April 25th, the VA ceased the automatic deduction of union fees from employees’ paychecks. Workers can now choose whether or not to contribute to the union, allowing them to focus their income on their families and personal needs instead.
Additionally, the department has reclaimed 187,000 square feet of office space that was previously occupied by the union, leading to significant savings that can now fund training, performance bonuses, and modern tools for VA personnel. The underlying principle is straightforward: every dollar and every hour must go toward serving veterans, not union leaders.
Some critics argue that these changes could weaken worker protections. However, the reality is quite the opposite. The reforms foster a culture based on merit, allowing strong employees to flourish while preventing underperformers from exploiting the system. Veterans are likely to experience quicker and more compassionate care delivered by a workforce motivated by performance rather than political maneuvering.
This transformation is evident throughout the system. Hiring processes can advance without needing multiple layers of union approval. Cases of misconduct can be addressed swiftly. Resources, previously squandered on union perks, are now being funneled into medical equipment, expanded telehealth options, and facility upgrades. Ultimately, the goal is for veterans to experience shorter wait times and high-quality care within a system that prioritizes their needs.
By liberating the VA from the grip of established unions, Collins has reestablished accountability, fortified the workforce, and realigned the department’s mission with its core values. For the first time in decades, the VA is beginning to function as it was always intended.
America owes veterans a commitment to excellence. Collins’ actions represent a vital step in fulfilling that obligation. The brave men and women in uniform kept their promises to this nation; now, it’s time for their government to uphold its end.
