(July 8, 2011)

In order to further improve the lines of communication and to respond to the concerns between the National VA Council and you our members, I have established a National VA Council Briefing. This NVAC Briefing will bring you the latest news and developments within DVA and provide you with the current status of issues this Council is currently addressing. I believe that this NVAC Briefing will greatly enhance the way in which we communicate and the way in which we share new information, keeping you better informed.

Alma L. Lee

National VA Council, President

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In This Briefing:  Master Agreement Training in June

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The largest training program in the history of the National VA Council continues.  During June, we have now conducted training the week of June 6^th in Baltimore, Maryland for the Eastern Area VBA and in Portland, Oregon for VISN 20.  The week of June 13^th saw training in Indianapolis, Indiana for the NCA and Des Moines, Iowa for VISN 23.  Training was conducted the week of June 27^th in Charlotte, North Carolina for VISN 6, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for VISN 4, and in New Orleans, Louisiana for VISN 16.

When we combine all of the training held in June, we now have more than 700 AFGE activists and 700 management personnel trained and ready to apply our new contract.  This is only the start of the summer training, which will take place in 21 VISNs, 4 VBA areas, and the NCA.

In addition to this training, the training contractor conducted two additional Joint “Train-the-Trainer” classes.  We now have a cadre of over 40 trained and enthusiastic trainers to trek through the country to provide this vital training.

We have now completed training for the NCA, and have trained 50% of VBA.  Additionally, five of the twenty-one VISNs have completed training.  The overwhelming response to this training has been positive, and our activists have come away from the training with the skills needed to better represent the bargaining unit employees at their facilities.

Training will continue during the month of July, with training on July 11^th in Atlanta, Georgia for VISN 7 and in Las Vegas, Nevada for the VBA Western Area.  Training in New Orleans, Louisiana for the VBA Central Area will take place the week of July 18^th.

Armed with the skills gained in these trainings, and working in fellowship with their Council brothers and sisters, I am certain that all of the participants will be prepared to even better represent their bargaining unit.