Will Attig, Executive Director of the Union Veterans Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss layoffs of veterans in the federal workforce, the impact on veteran services and the push for privatization.
The Union Veterans Council estimates that between 200,000 and 300,000 veterans could lose their federal jobs in what Attig called "the largest layoff of veterans in a generation." This massive reduction comes from efforts to cut the federal workforce by 50 percent, disproportionately affecting veterans, who make up about one-third of federal employees. Attig said these cuts target not just Washington bureaucrats, but essential workers nationwide who ensure government services run smoothly and efficiently.
These layoffs threaten to severely impact veteran services, particularly healthcare. Attig pointed out that recent legislation like the PACT Act, which expanded healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxic substances, has increased demand for VA services. He added that cutting staff now would create significant backlogs and reduce the quality of care for veterans. Additionally, many federal jobs provide stable employment for disabled veterans, who may struggle to find suitable work in the private sector.
Finally, Attig argued that the push for privatization is a key driver behind the federal workforce cuts. He said that privatizing services like veteran healthcare and the postal service could lead to reduced access and higher costs, especially for rural veterans. The Union Veterans Council is working to raise awareness of these issues, encouraging Americans to look beyond negative stereotypes of federal workers and recognize the vital services they provide.
For more on the Union Veterans Council's fight against federal layoffs, listen to the full episode above.