VA CT Healthcare System  ·  203-932-5711 ext. 11285

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About Local 2138

Representing federal professionals at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System since 2002.

Our mission and history

The American Federation of Government Employees has represented federal workers since 1932. Local 2138 was chartered in 2002 specifically for the professional employees of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System — covering the West Haven and Newington campuses and every community-based outpatient clinic across the state.

In August 2025, collective bargaining for federal employees was suspended nationwide amid an unprecedented challenge to union rights. A federal preliminary injunction in March 2026 restored the right to organize. Local 2138 was re-certified effective April 10, 2026, and formally reactivated on May 19, 2026. Since reactivation, membership has more than doubled — a testament to the strength and resolve of VA Connecticut professionals.

WHAT WE DO

How we serve our members

Representation

Grievances, investigations, disciplinary actions, arbitrations, and Weingarten rights — we stand with you at every step.

Bargaining

We enforce the 2023 Master Agreement and demand bargaining whenever management proposes changes to working conditions.

Member Support

From new-employee orientation to pay-equity advocacy, we help members navigate every stage of their federal career.

Community & Advocacy

Part of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, we work with congressional offices and bring VA Connecticut employee concerns to Congress when needed.

Your Congressional Delegation

When an issue cannot be resolved inside the facility, Local 2138 works with Connecticut congressional offices. Every VA Connecticut employee is also a constituent — these are the offices that represent you:

U.S. Senators

Richard Blumenthal
blumenthal.senate.gov

Christopher Murphy
murphy.senate.gov

U.S. Representatives

1st District — John Larson
larson.house.gov

3rd District — Rosa DeLauro
delauro.house.gov

5th District — Jahana Hayes
hayes.house.gov

2nd District — Joe Courtney
courtney.house.gov

4th District — Jim Himes
himes.house.gov

Not sure which district you live in? Find your representative by ZIP code at house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Our history

1932

AFGE founded.

2002

Local 2138 chartered.

2023

Master Agreement takes effect.

Aug 2025

Collective bargaining suspended nationwide.

Mar 2026

Federal court restores union rights.

Apr 10 2026

Local 2138 re-certified.

May 19 2026

Fully reactivated.

2026

Membership approaching 250.

800+

Employees represented

bargaining unit professionals statewide

2002

Chartered

more than two decades of dedicated service

11

Locations covered

two campuses, eight community clinics, and a mobile medical unit

6

Member representatives

every officer also represents employees on the ground

Meet our leadership

Elected by the membership to serve two-year terms.

Sandra Salmon, RN, MSN

President

Andrea Young

Executive Vice President

Katie Kus

Secretary/Treasurer

Ready to stand with Local 2138?

Join your fellow VA Connecticut healthcare professionals today to secure your voice and protect your career.

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