Department of Veterans Affairs announces dismissal of more than 1,400 workers

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made the decision to cut more than 1,400 probationary workers who are in “non-mission critical positions.” This move is expected to save over $83 million annually, as stated in a recent news release.

The employees who were dismissed are probationary workers who have served less than a year in a competitive service appointment or less than two years in an excepted service appointment. This decision is part of a larger effort to streamline operations and allocate resources more efficiently.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins emphasized that these cuts are necessary in order to redirect resources back towards health care, benefits, and services for VA beneficiaries. The first Senior Executive Service (SES) or SES-equivalent leader in a dismissed employee’s chain of command can request that the employee be exempted from removal in certain cases.

This announcement comes on the heels of a previous round of cuts where more than 1,000 workers were let go earlier this month. Despite the difficult nature of these personnel decisions, VA remains committed to prioritizing the needs of veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.

Collins assured that these cuts will not impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries, and veterans may even see improvements in services as a result. The department is planning to announce further initiatives in the coming weeks and months to enhance its core mission of providing the best possible care and benefits to veterans and their families.

Overall, the VA is focused on optimizing its operations to better serve those who have served our country. By making tough decisions now, the department aims to strengthen its ability to support veterans in the long run.

The author of this article, Alex Nitzberg, is a writer for Fox News Digital, providing valuable insights into important developments within the VA and other government agencies.