Your Union is Still Here
There has been some confusion recently, and many members have heard that the union no longer exists. That is not true. AFGE National and Local 0003 remain active and committed to fighting for your rights.
While we no longer have the Master Agreement (Collective Bargaining Agreement), we still have avenues to protect and represent you. Currently, you still have rights of representation under VA policies. Local 0003 stewards are permitted to participate in Weingarten meetings—although that could change in the future.
We can also assist dues-paying members with:
VA Grievance Procedures
Harassment or discrimination complaints through the EEOC
Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals if you are unfairly terminated
Please note that these services are only available to dues-paying members. Non-dues-paying employees will not receive union representation at this time.
Being a union member still has real benefits and protections, and we strongly encourage you to maintain your membership. If you have any questions, please send us a message through the Contact us section or click here.
Please Welcome Two New Members to Our team
Welcome Crystal Bland – New Member of AFGE Local 0003
AFGE Local 0003 is proud to welcome Crystal Bland as a new member of our team to support and strengthen our organizing efforts.
Crystal is a U.S. Army combat veteran, attorney, and accomplished labor leader with over 20 years of federal government, leadership, and labor-management experience, including 4 years at the executive level. She has served in numerous leadership roles within AFGE, most recently as National Representative of AFGE District 7 (IL, MI, WI), where she advised and advocated for more than 43,000 members across 65 local unions. She has represented members in contract disputes, grievances, and arbitration hearings, while also working with members of Congress to shape policies that directly impact federal employees and their communities.
Previously, Crystal served as President and Chief Executive Officer of AFGE HUD Local 0911 and as Treasurer of the National HUD Council 222, where she successfully negotiated safety protocols, enhanced worker protections, and ensured compliance with Department of Labor and IRS requirements for labor organizations. She has also held leadership roles in community development through her work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she managed over $10 million in federal grants and led projects to strengthen housing programs and community support.
With a background deeply rooted in philanthropy, social justice, and community advancement, and with her legal expertise as a Juris Doctor graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law, Crystal’s skills in strategic planning, negotiations, and coalition building will make her an invaluable asset to AFGE Local 0003.
Please join us in welcoming Attorney Crystal Bland to our Local. We look forward to her leadership and contributions as we continue building power and protecting the rights of our members.
Welcome Christopher Hon – New Organizer with AFGE Local 0003
AFGE Local 0003 is proud to welcome Christopher Hon as a new member of our team to help with organizing efforts.
Christopher brings over two decades of experience as a multifaceted political, community, and labor organizer, with a strong record of service in the labor movement. Since 2021, he has served as a National Organizer with AFGE, where he successfully led union election campaigns for the Defense Health Agency Headquarters, Tripler Hospital in Honolulu, and the doctors at Hines VA Hospital. He also managed data and membership systems on the Broadstripes platform and coordinated a district-wide Electronic Dues Campaign, achieving a 65% conversion rate when payroll dues were cancelled.
In addition to his work with AFGE, Christopher has been a political operative and community organizer since 2002, and also served as a Regional Organizer with Creative America. His breadth of experience in campaign management, grassroots engagement, and member mobilization makes him an incredible asset to our local.
Please join us in welcoming Christopher Hon to AFGE Local 0003. We look forward to his contributions as we continue building a stronger, more united voice for our members.
Need Union Representation?
Click the button below to complete the Union Intake Form.
VHA Only
For those that work at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, GLAC or Union Groove
VBA Only
For those that work at Milwaukee VA Regional Benefit Office
NEWAC Only
For those that work at Green Bay, Appleton or Cleveland CBOC
Update your contact information here
About Our Local
AFGE Local 0003 is a proud chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees, dedicated to representing and protecting the rights of federal workers. We advocate for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and equitable pay, while ensuring our members' voices are heard in the workplace. Through collective bargaining, grievance support, and active engagement with agency leadership, Local 0003 works tirelessly to improve the everyday lives of the employees we represent.
AFGE Local 0003 Member Locations
Clement J. Zablocki Veterans' Administration Medical Center
John H. Bradley Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic
Milo C. Huempfner Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic
Milwaukee VA Clinic
Cleveland VA Clinic
Oconomowoc VA Clinic
Union Grove VA Clinic
Stand Strong, Stand Together – Join AFGE Local 0003
Now more than ever, federal workers need a strong voice on the job. AFGE Local 0003 is that voice—and we’re calling on you to be a part of it. Whether you’re ready to join the union, become more active, or step up as a union steward, we need you.
We need union stewards—dedicated members willing to stand up, speak out, and help protect the rights of their coworkers. Stewards are the backbone of our union, and with more strong voices at the table, we can fight harder and win bigger.
Together, we protect our rights, improve our workplaces, and make sure every worker is treated with dignity and respect. Your voice matters. Your actions make a difference. Let’s build power, unity, and a better future—for all of us.
Join AFGE Local 0003. Be seen. Be heard. Be union.
If you’re interested in joining, becoming a steward, or just learning more, please send us a note or message through the Contact Us section. We’d love to connect with you!
AFGE: Powering Members with National Benefits
Get to Know Your AFGE Benefits
When you join AFGE, your benefits extend far beyond the workplace. You and your family can access valuable programs and exclusive discounts on everything from healthcare and education to homeownership and travel—helping you save more every day.
Our Union Partners
Benefit Architects