Lawmakers push to make it easier to discipline, fire VA workers

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Lawmakers push to make it easier to discipline, fire VA workers
By Leo Shane III
Jun 23, 12:00 PM
The Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Ga., is shown in 2011. (VA photo)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs leaders would be able to demote and fire problematic workers more quickly under new accountability rules proposed by a group of lawmakers on Friday.

The move comes in response to federal rulings against previous attempts to streamline disciplinary actions against VA staff, and in response to concerns from department leadership about using already approved authorities for those personnel decisions. Supporters say the move is needed to ensure that poor-performing workers aren’t hurting customer service and staff morale.

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