Your Workplace Rights
Helping employees understand and exercise their rights under applicable federal labor laws and negotiated agreements.
Fair and Consistent Treatment
Advocating for workplace policies and management decisions that treat every employee with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Safe Staffing and Working Conditions
Raising employee concerns about workplace safety, staffing levels, workloads, and conditions that may affect employees and veteran care.
What
We Fight
For
Collective Bargaining
Working to preserve employees’ collective voice and uphold applicable provisions of national and local labor agreements.
Representation When It Matters
Supporting bargaining-unit employees facing grievances, disciplinary matters, workplace disputes, and changes in working conditions.
A Stronger VA Workforce
Standing up for the professionals who provide veterans with healthcare, support, and essential public services.
Sonia Chaves
PRESIDENT, AFGE LOCAL 559
A veteran who now fights for The Union
Sonia Chaves serves as President of AFGE Local 559, representing federal employees at the Orlando VA Medical Center and surrounding clinics.
Her documented leadership journey reflects years of service within the local. Federal tax filings identify Chaves as Local 559 secretary in 2020 and 2021, vice president in 2022, and president beginning in 2023.
As president, Chaves works to keep members informed, defend workplace rights, strengthen participation, and connect VA employees with meaningful educational resources. Her leadership combines workplace advocacy with a commitment to helping members better understand the benefits and retirement decisions connected to federal service.
"When employees understand their rights and stand together, they are better prepared to protect themselves, their coworkers, and the veterans they serve."
Sonia Chaves, President, AFGE Local 559
Leadership Timeline
Local 559 Secretary
2020–2021
Sonia Chaves served as secretary, helping support local administration, member communication, and the responsibilities of the executive board.
Vice President
2022
Chaves advanced to vice president, taking on a broader role in employee representation, local operations, and member advocacy.
Elected President
2023
Public filings identify Chaves as President of AFGE Local 559 beginning in 2023, marking the next stage of her union leadership.
Expanding Member Education
2026
Under Chaves’s leadership, Local 559 partnered with PWR Retirement Group to provide workshops covering workplace protections, federal benefits, and retirement planning.
YOUR UNION PROTECTS THE JOB. WE HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS
Local 559 secures your contract, your rights, and your seat at the table. But the benefits you've earned — TSP, FERS, FEGLI, disability retirement — are yours to understand and use. That is why the Local partnered with PWR Retirement Group: free, educational sessions built for federal workers. We provide education on what you've earned.
Protects your job & rights
Bargaining, grievances, safety, and representation the union work that keeps you protected on campus.
Become A Member of AFGE Local 559Helps you understand your benefits
Plain-language education on the federal benefits and retirement tools you already have — so you can make your own informed decisions.
Book Your Free Consultation
FINANCIAL TOOLS EXCLUSIVELY FOR UNION MEMBERS
Become a Union Member to unlock these tools and start planning with more confidence.
TSP Distribution Options
Learn how to manage your TSP withdrawals wisely after retirement.
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Federal Life Insurance
Make confident decisions about your federal life insurance benefits.
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Federal Disability Retirement
Protect your income and future with a clearer understanding of disability benefits.
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Retirement Calculators
Calculate your retirement outlook and take smarter steps toward your goals.
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Office Of Personal Management
Use your money more efficiently while planning for future financial security.
Explore →Educational Events
Build confidence through educational sessions focused on your retirement and financial goals.
Educational Workshop On Federal Retirement Benefits
PWR Retirement Group, in partnership with your Local, brings a free educational workshop directly to Orlando VA Medical Center. Members and non-members are equally welcome — this is for everyone.
THE PWR APP, BUILT FOR
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Everything from calculators to workshop sign-up in one place — with MIKE, an in-app assistant that helps you find your way around your own benefits.
Retirement Calculators
Know your numbers
Easy Workshop Enrollments
Save your seat in seconds
Meet MIKE
Your 24/7 Personal Agent
TSP & FERS Tools
Understand your accounts
Download The PWR App Now
STAND WITH YOUR LOCAL. UNDERSTAND YOUR BENEFITS.
Connect with your Local today and start planning your future with confidence.