VA CT Healthcare System · 203-932-5711 ext. 11285
VA CT Healthcare System · 203-932-5711 ext. 11285
Home / Know your rights
Every professional at VA Connecticut already has powerful rights on the job — whether or not you are a union member. This page explains them in plain language. Read it now, save it, and remember one rule above all: when something happens, contact the union immediately. Deadlines in federal employment are short, and the biggest mistake employees make is waiting. Everything you tell us is confidential.
🛡 YOUR WEINGARTEN RIGHT
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”
This is your Weingarten right, guaranteed by federal law (5 U.S.C. § 7114(a)(2)(B)). It applies to every bargaining unit employee — member or not. You must ask; the Agency is not required to offer. Once you ask, the meeting must pause until a union representative is present.
☎ Then call us: 203-901-2940
• Investigations and official fact-findings.
• Any meeting where a supervisor is asking questions that could lead to discipline.
• Even a casual “just a quick chat” if it turns toward disciplinary topics. If in doubt, invoke the right immediately.
• Attend the meeting as directed by management.
• State the Weingarten words immediately.
• Wait — the meeting must pause until your representative arrives.
• Your representative will advise you, clarify questions, and request caucuses.
• Do not sign any paperwork without a union rep.
• Do not write a statement without your representative.
• Write down what was asked and said immediately after the meeting.
• Send your notes to office@afge2138.org while fresh.
Your right to form, join, or assist a labor organization is written into federal law under 5 U.S.C. § 7102. Retaliation against you for exercising this right is an unfair labor practice under § 7116.
Membership is completely confidential — the local’s membership list is never shared with VA Connecticut management or the Agency. Furthermore, our modern eDues system is completely invisible to the Agency — your dues are securely paid from your personal bank account outside of any government pay stub or system.
When you join AFGE Local 2138, you are secure in your career choices. Your representation is backed by the largest union for federal employees.
The Master Agreement sets out a clear, step-by-step process for resolving contract violations and unfair treatments. Here is what to expect when you invoke this protection.
You have a strict 30-calendar-day window from the date of the incident or the date you became aware of it. Contact the union the same day if possible.
Your steward works directly with your supervisor or facility management to resolve the issue without a formal filing. Many grievances are successfully resolved here.
If informal resolution fails, a written grievance is filed under Article 43 of the Master Agreement. Timelines are strict — the union tracks every milestone.
If the grievance is not resolved inside the facility, it may proceed to binding arbitration. AFGE national attorneys handle arbitration cases at no cost to the member.
Thirty days sounds like a lot. It is not — especially while you are stressed. The moment something happens, email office@afge2138.org or call 203-901-2940. We track every deadline so you do not have to.
A trained union representative sits beside you in any investigative or disciplinary meeting to protect your rights, clarify issues, and prevent bullying.
The Master Collective Bargaining Agreement governs your working conditions. If facility management violates your contract, the union handles the grievance.
Federal law strictly prohibits retaliation against employees who participate in union activities. We file Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) when retaliation occurs.
Your union rights start on day one. Probationary periods are 2 years for Title 38 nurses and clinical staff; 1 year for social workers, psychologists, and most hybrid professionals.
You are legally protected under 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8) when reporting waste, fraud, or abuse. Always consult the union BEFORE you disclose so we can help you do it safely.
Strict federal timelines apply. You have only 45 calendar days to contact an EEO counselor if you face discrimination or harassment. Do not delay.
EEO Warning: 45-day deadline to initiate contact.
Union stewards are legally granted official time to represent you. The local’s union office is conveniently located and staffed five days a week.
AFGE National Organization
Join AFGE Online Portal
Office of Special Counsel (OSC)
For whistleblower reprisal complaints
Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)
For Unfair Labor Practice issues
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
For workplace discrimination
Our experienced team of stewards and officers is here to support you at any stage of your service.
📍 Building 6, Room B-129, West Haven Campus
🕑 Staffed Five Days a Week. Wednesdays until 8:00 PM
Protect your career, improve your workplace, and stand with fellow VA Connecticut professionals.
Membership is confidential and paid conveniently via secure eDues outside of government systems.
Joining is confidential — with eDues, your membership never appears in any Agency system.
