Demonstration planned for Saturday at VA Butler Healthcare
When news broke of possible layoffs affecting federal workers, Debra Barger, a retiree of VA Butler Healthcare, knew what she needed to do: organize.
“It’s upsetting what might happen to the VA,” Barger said. “I get teary when I think about veterans’ care being interrupted.”
Barger, alongside the Butler County Democratic Committee, has organized a peaceful demonstration for Saturday, March 1. It will be held at the corner of Route 356 and South Duffy Road, and is set to run from noon to 2 p.m.
While Barger affiliates with the committee, she believes the issue at hand supersedes political affiliations.
“This is about veterans first,” she said.
Barger did not organize the rally just to raise awareness of layoffs at the VA, however, but rather for all federal employees across Butler County.
“It’s going to be a big, peaceful rally for employees at the VA, as well as the OPM and DOD employees in the mine, and certainly the vets,” she said.
Barger’s sister is a veteran of the Air Force, where she served for 24 years. After bad experiences at other locations, she was able to receive satisfactory care at VA Butler Healthcare.
Barger also mentioned that colleagues from VA Butler Healthcare have reached out to her related to looming layoffs.
“I have a lot of friends who still work there,” she said. “They’re very concerned.”
There is also concern in Barger’s mind about the economic impact of mass federal layoffs.
“I’m 65, and I’ve seen a lot of employers come and go from the county,” she said. “Now, the federal government is the county’s No. 1 employer and that might change.”
As a former federal worker, Barger expressed her sense of pride for the oath she took. She believes that many federal workers, from Butler County and beyond, feel similarly.
“It’s a badge of honor to be a civil servant,” Barger said.
The Democratic Committee held a sign making event in preparation for the rally on Thursday, Feb. 20. Saturday’s demonstration is open to the public.
