Joshua Terry for Local 96 President

Hello AFGE Local 96 Family,
I am a proud federal employee serving within both the Veterans Health Administration and the National Cemetery Administration. My dedication to supporting federal workers is rooted in a commitment to fairness, accountability, and ensuring that every employee’s voice is heard. With years of advocacy experience and a deep understanding of workplace representation, I am committed to leading AFGE Local 96 with integrity, purpose, and vision.
As a former Chief Steward of AFGE Local 96, I built trust, confidence, and security among our members by providing strong, consistent representation. I completed the full suite of AFGE Representation training, strengthening my ability to advocate effectively in grievances, disciplinary actions, negotiations, and day-to-day member support. My representation experience includes successfully rescinding written counselings, overturning suspensions, and even challenging removals, always ensuring management is held accountable to federal law, established policies, and the AFGE/VA Master Agreement.
I also served as an observer at the AFGE National Convention, where I witnessed both the positive practices that strengthen our union and the behaviors that have no place in a responsible, member-driven organization. That experience reinforced my belief that transparency, ethical leadership, and financial responsibility must define Local 96.

Beyond disciplinary advocacy, I have negotiated with management, bargained on behalf of employees, and consistently pushed for safer workplaces, fair treatment, and respect for the federal workforce. I understand the challenges our members face as well as the systems, leadership, and solutions required to address them.
Now, more than ever, federal workers need leaders who put their issues first. This is not the time to withdraw from the union; this is the time to stand together. We will have our Contract respected. We will restore Official Time. We will rebuild our membership. And we will move forward with real, meaningful change.
I have accepted the nomination for Local 96 President because members asked me to step forward, my team believes in my leadership, and I am ready to lead our Local into a new era of unity and accountability.

If elected President, I will be present, accessible, and fearless in protecting our members’ rights. I will not dictate, I will collaborate. I will respect the structure of AFGE and ensure that every appointed and elected position is filled with capable, mission-driven individuals who strengthen our Local.

Our 1st Vice President will lead a strong Representation program, ensuring that the Chief Steward and all Union Stewards are fully trained and supported. Our 2nd Vice President will have the freedom and backing to drive innovation in organizing, educating, and mobilizing members without unnecessary barriers.
We will build a Local where Human, Civil, and Labor Rights work hand-in-hand, supported by fully appointed Coordinators across Women’s and Fair Practices, Legislative Affairs, Veterans Affairs, and Young Organizing, ensuring alignment with the AFGE Constitution and the mission of our union.
My passion for service is deeply personal, shaped by my family’s military legacy; my father, aunt, and brother all served our nation. Their example drives my commitment to advocate for those who care for America’s veterans.

My objective is this: To be a strong voice for our workforce and a leader who stands for transparency, unity, and results.