David Cann, director field services and education department for the American Federation of Government Employees spoke with America’s Work Force on Dec. 18 about contract talks with the Veterans Administration.

Cann discussed the continued attempt to privatize the VA and how there are private companies who are refusing to bargain in person and why it is a bad thing. He said that private companies are strictly bargaining through mail, or methods not in person, and that it is against the law and they are required to bargain in good faith, including being face-to-face. Cann explained that the supporters of privatization of the VA are political supporters of Trump, and are all for anti-government worker agendas. Lastly, he talked about the Trump administration passing the 12 week paid parental leave for federal employees and why it is such a great win for government workers.

Elliot Dinkin, president and CEO of Cowden Associates, Inc. talked about compensation, wages, benefits and other consultation services their organization provides. He explains the direction that healthcare and pensions are taking going into 2020 and how certain legislation could drastically alter each of those. Dinkin also talked about the aging workforce and millenials taking up more and more roles.

AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about coal miners fighting to preserve their pensions and healthcare.

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