Department of Veterans Affairs Dismisses Over 1,000 Employees, Saving $98 Million Per Year

The Department of Veterans Affairs has made a significant move by dismissing more than 1,000 employees, impacting non-bargaining unit probationary employees who have served less than a year in a competitive service appointment or less than two years in an excepted service appointment. The VA stated that mission-critical positions are exempt from this decision, with over 43,000 probationary employees currently in the department.

Retired US Army Colonel DJ Reyes expressed confidence in the new VA Secretary, Doug Collins, assuring that current benefits and services will not be degraded. The VA estimates that this action will save the department over $98 million annually, redirecting resources back towards healthcare, benefits, and services.

However, opinions on the move vary among veterans and advocates. Bryan Stern, a combat veteran and Chairman of Grey Bull Rescue, questioned whether firing 1,000 employees is the right solution, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of all agencies. He highlighted the importance of monitoring the impact of these dismissals in the coming months to determine if there is any noticeable change in VA services.

ABC Action News reached out to local VA facilities in Tampa and Bay Pines to inquire about potential impacts, but both directed inquiries to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ previous statement. As the community waits to see the effects of these dismissals, concerns and hopes for improved VA services remain at the forefront of discussions among veterans and advocates.