AFGE Local 559

04/03/2026

Thanks to all our current members.

04/03/2026

If you’ve ever needed help at work this is why you join.

Don’t wait until something happens. Join AFGE Local 559 today.

02/02/2026

As President, I am deeply grateful to Maria Vazquez and Melissa Walker, who were present and ensured the vigil was carried out with care, dignity, and respect.

From everything shared, Maria and Melissa created a space that honored Alex Pretti thoughtfully and compassionately exactly as it should have been. Their leadership and heart were felt by everyone who attended.

Thank you both for showing up for our colleagues and our community.
🕯️🖤

Organizers avoided political statements and focused instead on the Minneapolis VA nurse’s character and his life of service to veterans.

08/29/2025

Met with AFGE to discuss Trump’s ongoing attack on federal workers and ways to strengthen their rights. Unions are key to fair wages, safe conditions, and dignity in public service.

We stand with our federal workers as they work hard to serve our constituents in need. 🇺🇸

08/09/2025

We’re Still Here — And Still Fighting for You 💪

Dear AFGE Local 559 Members,

As you may have seen, the VA has announced the termination of our collective bargaining agreement due to Executive Order 14251. This action impacts our formal union rights—but it does not silence our voice and it does not end our fight.

Here’s what this means:
✅ Your union still exists.
✅ Your union leadership is still here, still active, and still representing your interests.
✅ We are shifting to remote operations after hours, because the agency has stripped away our official time and onsite presence.
✅ We still have the right to file grievances, engage members, and organize—and we plan to do all of that and more.

This is not business as usual. We’ll need to adjust how we do things. But with your support, we will push to win back our contract and restore our full rights. Here’s how you can help:
• Stay connected — Make sure we have your personal contact info (not your VA email).
• Join or renew your membership — Numbers matter more now than ever.
• Participate — Attend meetings, sign petitions, and stay ready for action.

We’re fighting for your voice at work, for fair treatment, and for the contract that protects your rights. Let’s stand united in this moment. We may be working remotely—but we are still Local 559.

In solidarity,
Sonia Chaves
President, AFGE Local 559
📧 [email protected]

06/25/2025

📢 AFGE Local 559 Rerun Election Results Are In! 🗳️

Thank you to every member who voted and made your voice heard in our democratic process. The results of the 2025 rerun election are official:

🔹 Secretary:
✅ Melba Ruiz (79.03%)

🔹 Treasurer:
✅ William “Will” Last (62.43%)

🔹 Executive Board (Top 3 Elected):
✅ Melissa Walker, RN (82.40%)
✅ Jeffrey D. Kurzon, MD (71.59%)
✅ Gilbert Thelwell, PA-C (66.15%)

👏 Congratulations to our newly elected officers and thank you to all candidates for stepping up to serve.

Together, we keep moving forward. ✊

04/05/2025

03/27/2025

We are committed to supporting our members in the fight for our rights and job security.

03/13/2025

We were there to support our members, on our own time because that is what this union does for you...

A cohort of federal workers convened Monday morning in Orlando for a roundtable hosted by U.S. Congressman Darren Soto.

02/28/2025

Keep it going team

A federal judge ruled that the terminations at agencies including the Department of Defense were probably illegal.

11/27/2024

AFGE Family
As we prepare for the future of our union, we are transitioning from agency-paid union dues to AFGE E-Dues, which will be managed directly through your bank. This change is crucial for maintaining our union's independence and ensuring we are well-prepared for any political shifts.
**Why This Change?
- **Independence: E-Dues ensures our union remains strong and independent.
- **Security: Direct payments through your bank are secure and reliable.
- **Future-Proof: This transition helps us adapt to potential changes in national policies and laws
**What You Need to Do:**
1. **Sign Up**:
Visit [AFGE eDues]( https://www.afge.org/edues )to sign up.
2. **Provide Information: Follow the instructions to provide your bank details.
3. **Confirm: Ensure your dues are set up correctly and confirm your enrollment.
We understand this is a change, but it’s a necessary step to safeguard our union’s future. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to [email protected].

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union representing 750,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas.