Irma Westmoreland, Secretary-Treasurer of National Nurses United, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the proposed cuts to VA staff, the need for full collective bargaining rights and the importance of maintaining quality care for veterans.
Westmoreland expressed concern over the proposed cuts of 70,000 to 80,000 VA positions nationwide. She emphasized these reductions would severely impact patient care, even if nurses and doctors are spared. Support staff cuts would force clinical personnel to take on additional duties, compromising their ability to focus on patient care. Westmoreland emphasized that every VA employee, from maintenance workers to nurses, is crucial in providing comprehensive care to veterans.
The VA Employee Fairness Act, reintroduced to Congress in May, aims to ensure full collective bargaining rights for VA nurses and clinicians. Currently, VA healthcare professionals lack the same bargaining rights as other federal employees, limiting their ability to advocate for patient safety and working conditions, Westmoreland said. She believes empowering healthcare workers to negotiate would significantly improve VA patient outcomes.
Finally, Westmoreland addressed the executive order threatening to remove union rights for federal employees. She emphasized that National Nurses United would continue to represent and support nurses regardless of potential changes, adapting their strategies if necessary. Westmoreland highlighted the union's commitment to maintaining high-quality care for veterans. She stressed the importance of the VA's mission to fulfill the promise made to those who served.
Listen to the full episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast to hear more from Westmoreland about the NNU’s efforts to protect workers and veterans.