Protesters, comprising local community members and union associates, showed their solidarity in Iowa City, advocating for the rights of healthcare workers at the VA.
In a show of solidarity, union employees and veterans gathered outside the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City on Wednesday to protest against the Trump administration's decision to terminate union contracts at the Veterans Affairs.
Jenny Tyner, a former employee at the VA Medical Center, attended the protest to support her friends who still work for the hospital. Tyner worked for the hospital in various roles before retiring three years ago. She was joined by many veterans, including Army veteran Joe Stutler, who expressed his shock at the Trump administration's approach to veterans and veterans' benefits.
Patrick Kearns, a registered nurse for the VA and the president of Iowa City's American Federation of Government Employees chapter, spoke at the protest. Kearns expressed concerns about federal hiring freezes and policy changes causing people to leave the profession. He was supported by Ruark Hotopp, National Vice President over District 8 of the American Federal of Government Employees, who came to Iowa City from Nebraska to show solidarity. Hotopp also attended a similar protest in Minneapolis on Monday.
The decision to end contracts was made by U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins. The press release about the change states the decision will give VA staff more time to focus on serving veterans. However, union advocates disagree with the decision, arguing that unions empower employees to better serve veterans.
Stutler, a supporter of other union employees, receives his health care through the Veterans Affairs and supports the VA workers because they take care of him. He can be reached at (319) 398-8328 or via email at emily.andersen@our website.
The protest in Iowa City was one of multiple protests happening this month around the Midwest. Kearns hopes the protests will make the general public more aware of the issues VA employees are facing and encourage people to reach out to their representatives.
As the situation unfolds, more information will be provided. Stay tuned for updates.
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