VA Secretary Delivers Impassioned Presentation on Veterans' Care and Labor-Management Cooperation at Biannual Meeting

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald today delivered an impassioned presentation at the AFGE National VA Council labor-management meeting in Washington, D.C., laying out a clear vision focused on providing timely, quality, and innovative care to our nation's heroes. In doing so, McDonald stressed the importance of partnering with frontline employees who deliver care to the veterans every day.

"Listening to Secretary McDonald's vision for restoring trust and accountability in the VA was a breath of fresh air," said AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. "He is sincerely committed to turning the corner on how the VA delivers care and values its employees. Serious times call for serious people, and there is no doubt in my mind that Bob McDonald is the leader the VA needs to restore the promise to our nation's veterans."

"The Secretary, who asked us to call him 'Bob,' touched on a multitude of issues that resonate with VA employees," continued Cox. "He understands that frontline employees hold the key to quality care, and that they deserve to be recognized for their contributions. From claims processors, to healthcare providers to those caring for our veterans' final resting place, it is clear that the Secretary respects all those who carry out the mission of the VA."

"Employee activists at AFGE advocate every day for improving processes that will enhance the care that we deliver to veterans," added AFGE National VA Council President Alma Lee. "Every one of VA's employees chose to work there so they can serve our heroes. The Secretary assured us that he will support these dedicated public servants by keeping an open dialogue, protecting whistleblowers, and stamping out the culture of retaliation and reprisal that has marred the VA in recent years."

"Secretary McDonald hit the nail on the head when he said 'we have no hope to care for our veterans if we don't care for each other.' This sincerity shows me that we have someone at the helm who has a holistic approach to carrying out the VA's noble mission. Our veterans are the highest priority and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that we have the resources, personnel and policies to carry out our mission. AFGE is one-hundred percent committed to partnering with Secretary McDonald as we deliver world-class care to those who have sacrificed for this nation," said President Cox.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 670,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. AFGE's National Veterans Affairs Council represents 210,000 employees within the Department of Veterans Affairs. For the latest AFGE news and information, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees