House panel OKs new rules for firing VA workers. Do you think it will pass?

2015-07-16T16:54:54-04:00

A house panel approved and advanced plans to make it easier to fire VA employees. It was passed despite opposition from panel Democrats saying it is unconstitutional, attacks employees, and labor unions.

What are your thoughts?

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/07/15/va-accountability-act-advances/30188617/

A key House panel on Wednesday advanced plans to make it easier to fire Veterans Affairs Department employees and harder to punish whistleblowers, despite accusations from Democrats that the legislation tramples on the Constitution.

The bill — which still has a long path through Congress and the White House before becoming law — would give the VA secretary the authority to punish any department employee "if [their] performance or misconduct warrants such removal or demotion."

That would streamline the appeals process to under one month and limit how long employees could sit on paid suspension.

House Veterans Affairs Committee members said the legislation builds off similar employment authorities passed by Congress last summer that applied only to top-level department officials. It's also designed to address frequent complaints from lawmakers about the VA's inability to dismiss workers at the heart of several high-profile scandals.

VA leaders have said that the process is complex and time-consuming, but also necessary to make sure employees' rights are being respected.

But bill sponsor and committee chairman Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., accused those officials of too often opting for paid suspensions and job transfers over real solutions. He noted that one infamous recent case in which an employee was found guilty of taking a VA hospital patient to buy drugs took more than a year to resolve.

"There are some rotten people in the department who need to be fired," Miller said in an emotional speech at Wednesday's hearing. "This is about doing what's right. Are you going to stand with bureaucrats or veterans?"

The committee approved the measure on a 14-10 party line vote, with Democrats calling it an attack on VA employees and unions.

"This is a right-to-work debate we have going on here," said Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. "Let's not kid ourselves."

The measure includes language that would allow VA officials to pull back some pension benefits for fired employees and authorizes the Government Accountability Office to study "the amount of time spent by VA employees carrying out labor organizing activities."

Committee Democrats unsuccessfully attempted to add some employee protections back into the measure, saying Miller's proposal makes every VA worker "permanently probational." But Republicans on the panel said that would water down the legislation.

The bill includes language to provide special protections for VA whistleblowers, blocking retaliation by managers upset by their actions. The panel also unanimously adopted an amendment to authorize travel expenses and work credit for whistleblowers who testify before Congress.

Democrats on the panel said they support many provisions of the measure and predicted an intense floor fight over the employment protections.

VA officials have not offered an official position on the new rules but have expressed concerns about violating workers' rights with similar past proposals. Several high-profile veterans groups have backed the measure, arguing that changes are needed to improve customer service at the department.

House panel OKs new rules for firing VA workers

The measure to make dismissals or demotions easier passed along party lines, over concerns it violates workers' rights.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 16 at 2015 4:57 PM

2015-07-16T16:57:07-04:00

PO1 John Miller No chance it makes it through the Senate, Dems protect their funding sources and that is government employee unions.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-07-16T17:20:48-04:00

i don't know how many Brothers/Sisters remember or maybe it's still around, W.O.P.A. (Warrant Officer's Protection Association). We would joke around that Warrants couldn't be "touched" because of W.O.P.A.. Well it seems the VA can't be touched because of VAPA. (You get the drift.)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-07-16T17:56:00-04:00

I am not sure on the legalities of this, but the efforts to improve the VA are needed.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 16 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-07-16T17:59:57-04:00

PO1 John Miller I hope it does, because I think there are some VA Employees that have used the system to hide and they aren't very productive. I believe this is a "wake-up" call! Now if we can get Congress to pass the same type of legislation for them when they aren't doing the job that would be perfect. Not likely, but perfect!

Response by SGT Tresa Silva-Rooks made Jul 16 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-07-16T18:06:46-04:00

I hope it passes. Some VA employees do nothing and now maybe they can be weeded out. I know other work places need to do that too.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 16 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-07-16T18:06:50-04:00

It's a shame some feel extra legislation is needed but even if passed will not likely make any difference. There will be a bunch of OPM/NLRB disparate treatment claims and suits. Like immigration law, VA can make profound improvements by utilizing the tools all Agencies have. A cursory look at the "Douglas Factors" (matrix of misconduct vs. punishment) would show the Secretary and senior leadership should have fired quite a number of employees before. You see good SMs get hammered for charging the GTCC by mistake but VA refusal of service is OK? Not by a long shot.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 16 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-07-16T19:40:39-04:00

It needs to start at the top. Leadership allowed this to happen. Fire all the leaders and bring in people who care and have experience and set up an advisory board of veterans of all ranks.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-07-16T20:11:24-04:00

OMG. I HOPE IT PASSES!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:12 PM

2015-07-16T21:12:18-04:00

I'm all for it John. For one thing, hopefully, it will make the employees think twice before being rude and obnoxious toward veterans. There's been many times I've wished I could've pulled a smart mouthed employee across his or her desk. I had a problem with a woman two weeks ago. I was asking her questions about my medical records and she went from being not interested in what I was telling her, to being downright mean about it. It totally surprised me. I got mad and told her I don't work for you, you work for me. Then I walked out.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:32 PM

2015-07-16T21:32:00-04:00

I know it will not but it should! Also, it should not stop at the VA, it should go for every Civil-Service Technician and Military Technician worldwide!

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Jul 17 at 2015 1:51 AM

2015-07-17T01:51:51-04:00

I'm a retired Teamster , they need the same rules for all government workers that the teamsters have in their contracts , contrary to most , yes you can get fired from a teamster Union job !
No paid suspensions till they work it out ? Fired is fired and if you get your job back due to a wrongful termination !
You get full back pay , it works for teamsters it can work for the VA employees

Response by MSgt David Haupt made Jul 17 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-07-17T12:23:43-04:00

Ok one thing I have to say before going on to answer. I have not had one problem with the Wilmington, DE VA Hospital. Every time I have went up there for appointments I have seen nothing but professionalism. So with that being said others friends have been waiting on service and appointments to long and yes they need to FIRE those who are responsible. Legalities or not it is wrong for anyone to treat anyone is such a manner that they feel wrong by the system.