The National VA Council is the largest bargaining council within AFGE, proudly representing VA Employees. Our podcast is one of the many places where we make our voices heard. We are the Voice of the VA!
Union Local President is STILL FIGHTING in Cleveland, Ohio
In this episode of Voice of the VA, we sit down with Darryll Bell, President of AFGE NVAC Local 31, for an in-depth conversation about his work as a union leader and his experiences representing VA employees during turbulent times. Darryll discusses the importance of union advocacy, protecting federal workers, and how collective action supports those who serve our nation’s Veterans.
AFGE Local 31 represents thousands of federal workers in Cleveland, Ohio. NVAC advocates for fair treatment, workplace rights, and strong representation for VA employees at all levels.
Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more from Voice of the VA!
The content of this video reflects the personal views and opinions of the speakers in their union capacity and is not intended to represent the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Management, or the United States Government in any way.
4 Mar 2026
VA Doctor Warns: This Is What Happens Without a Union
In this episode of Voice of the VA, we sit down with Dr. Byrd, a highly respected VA professional with more than 20 years of service, whose career was derailed by retaliation, hostility, and a management culture that failed to protect him.
For decades, Dr. Byrd delivered exceptional care, earned the trust of veterans, and upheld the mission of the VA. But when the VA attempted to strip away the Collective Bargaining Agreement, everything changed. Unchecked power continues to grow while employee morale plummets. A career that was once held in high regard has now become a risk few are willing to take.
Dr. Byrd’s story is one of dedication met with retaliation, excellence met with abuse, and a career nearly destroyed because his voice was taken away.
In this powerful interview, we uncover:
🔹 How the loss of the CBA opened the door to unchecked harassment
🔹 The retaliation Dr. Byrd endured despite a stellar 20+ year record
🔹 The emotional and professional impact of losing workplace protections
🔹 Why strong unions and a restored CBA are essential for VA employees and veterans
🔹 Dr. Byrd’s message to every federal worker fighting to be heard
This episode sheds light on what happens when the rights of federal workers are taken away and why the fight to defend them matters now more than ever.
👉 If you stand with VA employees, veterans, and America's Workforce, like & subscribe to support the mission!
4 Mar 2026
Unions Are Still Fighting!
📢 New Episode Alert! - In this episode of Voice of the VA, Niki Omanidze speaks on current issues the union faces and shares practical steps that both members and non-members can take to stand in solidarity with federal employees.
00:00 Trailer
00:46 Meet Niki: Union Activist
02:27 Challenges Federal Employees Face
04:36 Union's Response and Legal Actions
10:17 Keeping the Media's Attention
13:12 Call to Action: Get Involved
21:40 Virginia Politics
23:41 Support for HR 2550: Save America's Workforce Act
25:58 Opposition to HR 9191: No Union Time on Taxpayers' Dime
29:16 Decimation of Federal Agencies and Services
38:56 Union's Role in Protecting Workers' Rights
40:28 Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in The Federal Government
42:30 We Fight For Our Vets
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on VA workplace issues.
4 Mar 2026
Veteran Opens Up About Unions, VA Staffing, and PTSD
📢 New Episode Alert! - In this episode of Voice of the VA, Jason Hall dives into the critical role VA employees play in supporting Veterans, the unique benefits available to AFGE members, and why joining AFGE is essential for protecting our rights and strengthening our voice. Whether you're a longtime employee or new to the VA, this conversation highlights why your work and your union matter.
🔹 Topics Covered:
✔️ Union Benefits
✔️ VA Staffing
✔️ Veteran PTSD
✔️ And more!
🎧 Tune in to stay informed and empowered!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on VA workplace issues.
0:00 - Teaser
0:31 - Introductions
1:10 - Jason's Union Origin Story
5:11 - Favorite Part of Jason's Job
6:50 - Benefits of Membership
13:33 - Why You Should Continue With Your Membership
19:49 - How to Get Involved
21:54 - What are These Executive Orders Doing to Our Vets?
24:17 - Jason's Military Experience
26:10 - "Our Promise To Our Veterans"
#VAMission #AFGE #VeteransMentalHealth #unionstrong
4 Mar 2026
RIFs, Legal & More with Bill Wetmore
Voice of the VA Podcast – RIFs, NVAC Legal Updates & More with NVAC Executive Vice President Bill Wetmore
📢 New Episode Alert! Join us for an insightful episode of Voice of the VA as we sit down with Bill Wetmore to discuss critical issues impacting VA employees.
🔹 Topics Covered:
✔️ Reduction in Force (RIFs) – What you need to know
✔️ NVAC Legal Updates – Key cases and developments
✔️ Union Advocacy – How NVAC is fighting for your rights
✔️ And more!
🎧 Tune in to stay informed and empowered! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on VA workplace issues.
00:00 - Teaser
00:31 - Intro Trailer
01:22 - Potential RIF Overview
06:10 - How to Prepare
07:53 - Overview of NVAC Legal Team Activities
10:34 - The Unitary Executive Theory
16:42 - Initiating Representation
19:38 - Bill Wetmore's Pitch for Mobilizing
#VoiceOfTheVA #NVAC #UnionStrong #VeteransAffairs #FederalEmployees
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