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Physicians & Pharmacists: You Have a Union Home

An open letter from Sandra Salmon, RN, MSN — President, AFGE Local 2138

Dear VA Connecticut Physicians, Pharmacists, and Licensed Professionals,

As Title 38 and Hybrid Title 38 clinical professionals, you face a unique set of administrative and clinical standards. From credentialing and peer reviews to Professional Standards Boards, the complexity of your career protections requires more than standard advocacy. We represent your clinical autonomy so you can prioritize patient care.

"Ask yourself one question: if you were called into an investigation tomorrow, who would sit next to you?"

For unrepresented providers, the honest answer is a private attorney — retained at hourly rates, on short notice, at your own expense. For our members, the answer is a trained representative who knows this facility and knows the rules the Agency must follow — included in dues of $20 per pay period.

Local 2138 has a dedicated focus on the distinct legal parameters surrounding professional licensure and federal service. We are committed to making sure that your due process is active, transparent, and strictly followed according to national union agreements and federal regulations.

In solidarity,
Sandra Salmon, RN, MSN
President, AFGE Local 2138

WHY UNION MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

What membership means for you

Representation when it matters

When you face an investigation, disciplinary action, or proposed removal, a trained union representative sits beside you — at no additional cost.

Due process and information rights

Your Weingarten rights, your right to review evidence, your right to grieve — all enforceable through the Master Agreement.

A collective voice

AFGE national representation + Connecticut AFL-CIO + direct congressional access on issues affecting VA employees.

Strength in numbers

800+ professionals across VA Connecticut. The more of us there are, the stronger each voice becomes.

The legal muscle behind you

Our Local officers regularly consult with AFGE national attorneys on complex member cases at absolutely no cost to the individual member.

Compare this to the standard cost of security or labor legal help: one hour of a private employment attorney can easily cost $300 to $500. All representation is included in your standard union dues of just $20 per pay period.

Plus, you gain access to comprehensive personal legal benefits through your AFGE national membership, which includes free initial consultations and significantly discounted attorney fees for personal matters.

Licensure & Peer Review Protection

✓ Representation during peer review and clinical quality boards

✓ Full national legal backup for licensure defense strategies

✓ Complete support during AOD audits and administrative inquiries

It starts with one email

office@afge2138.org — Or stop by Building 6, Room B-129 in West Haven. Staffed five days a week,
Wednesdays until 8:00 PM. The best time to have a union is before you need one.

Sandra Salmon, RN, MSN — President, AFGE Local 2138