Hunter
08/28/25
The “Save Our VA” Community Solidarity Picket had nearly 100 protesters show up Wednesday afternoon to oppose what they call attacks on Veterans Administration care, VA employees, and their union, the American Federation of Government Employees.
Union local president and VA nurse Patrick Kearns told the Press-Citizen the hospital has been on a hiring freeze since January, despite press releases from the VA that say otherwise.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins notified the union that he was “implementing” an Executive Order that terminates the master collective bargaining agreement between the VA and AFGE National VA Council.
Kearns also pointed out that no one in the Iowa congressional delegation has stepped up to co-sponsor the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would restore federal workers’ bargaining rights. He said the Iowa City VA has lost about 200 employees since the beginning of the year.
A veteran who attended the protest criticized the Republican Party. Joe Stutter told the newspaper, “They love us for photo ops, but otherwise we’re suckers and losers. It’s cheaper to honor our memory than it is to actually care for us.”