According to the VA, the decision follows a March executive order signed by President Donald Trump that eliminated collective bargaining rights for many federal employees. A White House fact sheet about the order cited national security concerns, adding, "Certain Federal unions have declared war on President Trump's agenda."

President Trump has faced legal challenges from unions representing federal workers for his push to strip them of labor protections.

VA Secretary Doug Collins said the decision to end the labor contracts of most of its workers follows an executive order from Donald Trump in March.