A survey of 1,500 members of the union representing workers at Veterans Affairs facilities around the nation found that 78% of respondents believe racism against staff and patients is a “moderate” or “serious” problem, the Washington Post reports.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) also found that 76% of respondents personally “experienced racially charged actions while working at the VA” and 55% had seen racial-charged incidents against the patients they served.

The union notes that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie has fostered the environment of bigotry experienced by the workers, 40% of whom are people of color.  The union also notes that Wilkie has not negotiated a future contract in good faith.

“It’s shocking that in 2020, not only are we still having to contend with racism at an agency of the federal government, but that it’s getting worse” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley in  press call Friday. “These survey results are shocking and unacceptable and must be addressed. Fighting systemic racism at the VA or any other federal agency is nothing new for AFGE. In fact, it’s been a central part of what we’ve always done, always had to do, because, of course, there is absolutely nothing new about racism.”

When he first took office, President Trump assigned to Jared Kushner the role of revamping Veterans Affairs with digital technology and medical innovations.  There have been no updates on that effort in more than two years, since an internal report on Kushner’s push to update the Military Health System’s Genesis software system was found “neither operationally effective, nor operationally suitable” in May 2018.