The VA AFGE Master Agreement for 2020: What You Need to Know
The Veterans Affairs Department (VA) is an important agency that takes care of our nation`s military veterans. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is an organization that represents the interests of federal employees, including those that work for the VA. Every year, the VA and the AFGE work together to create a master agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for VA employees.
The VA AFGE Master Agreement for 2020 was recently released, and it has some important changes and updates that all VA employees should be aware of. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at what`s new in the 2020 agreement and what it means for VA employees.
Pay Increases
One of the most significant changes in the VA AFGE Master Agreement for 2020 is the pay increases that VA employees will be receiving. These increases are a result of the new pay scale that was implemented as part of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. The pay increases will vary depending on the employee`s occupation and experience level, but all VA employees will see some increase in their pay.
Performance Appraisals
The 2020 agreement also includes changes to the performance appraisal system for VA employees. The new system is designed to be more objective and transparent, with a focus on employee development and growth. Employees will now have more input into the appraisal process, and the criteria for evaluation will be clearly defined. This should make the process of receiving a performance appraisal more fair and consistent across departments and occupations.
Telework
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many VA employees have been working from home to reduce the spread of the virus. The 2020 agreement includes new provisions for telework, which will allow employees to continue working from home even after the pandemic is over. This will give employees more flexibility and help the VA to attract and retain top talent.
Health and Safety
The 2020 agreement also includes new protections for VA employees` health and safety. The VA will take steps to ensure that all employees have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and training on how to use it. Employees will also have more input into the safety protocols that are put in place to protect them from illness and injury.
Conclusion
The VA AFGE Master Agreement for 2020 includes some important changes and updates that will impact VA employees. These changes include pay increases, improvements to the performance appraisal system, new provisions for telework, and enhanced protections for employees` health and safety. With these changes, the VA is taking steps to improve the work environment for its employees and better serve our nation`s veterans.