NAGE attorney Sarah E. Suszczyk reached a settlement agreement with the VAMHCS the day before the case was scheduled to be heard by an arbitrator. On behalf of NAGE Local R 3-19 at the VA Maryland Health Care System, Ms Suszczyk was successful in reversal of an unjust suspension decision and the VA has agreed to restore all lost pay and benefits, and completely purged all suspension references from the member’s personnel record.

The member expressed sincere gratitude for all the support and efforts provide by the Local and NAGE attorney during this year long ordeal. The employee commented “without NAGE, the suspension would be in my file forever”.

NAGE Local R 3-19 believes the case stems from local Management’s misinterpretation of the VA regulations. The VAMHCS misinterpretation and subsequent action may have negatively impacted other members. Local President, Evelyn Cipriaso, will be addressing NAGE ‘s concerns through the Human Resource service for complete resolution of this.