Influential Democrats in Virginia are championing legislative measures aimed at expanding collective bargaining rights for public employees. The proposed bills, introduced in both the House of Delegates and the Senate, would mandate that public employers engage in good faith negotiations with collective bargaining units. This legislation, if passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, would also establish a state authority to oversee these bargaining units and their negotiations.
The measures are expected to gain traction in the legislature, with Virginia’s newly elected Governor, Abigail Spanberger, indicating her support for collective bargaining rights during her campaign. This marks a significant shift from similar bills that reached the desk of former Governor Glenn Youngkin last year, which were ultimately vetoed. At that time, a coalition of mayors from Hampton Roads publicly opposed the measures, raising concerns about potential implications for Virginia’s right-to-work laws.
The groundwork for this legislative push was laid in 2021 when a law was passed allowing public employee collective bargaining units to form, provided they received approval from their respective localities. Scott Surovell, the state Senate majority leader and sponsor of one of the bills, emphasized that the legislation aims to foster dialogue between public employees and government employers. He clarified, “It doesn’t guarantee anything in the way of pay benefits. What it does guarantee is that local governments are required to have a conversation with their employees.”
According to data from the 2022 United States Census, Virginia had over half a million public employees, with approximately 328,000 working in the education sector. Surovell expressed optimism that over time, this legislation could lead to improved pay and benefits for teachers, contingent upon collaborative funding efforts.
Carol Bauer, President of the Virginia Education Association (VEA), which represents over 40,000 public school employees, highlighted the bills’ potential to address pressing issues in school districts, particularly concerning retention and recruitment of staff. “It really is not about confrontation. It’s about collaboration,” Bauer stated. She noted that the bargaining power would extend beyond teachers to include often-overlooked roles such as custodial staff and paraprofessionals.
The proposed changes would also empower local VEA affiliates to engage in collective bargaining negotiations without needing prior approval from school boards, a requirement currently in place. This shift could streamline the process and enhance representation for public education employees on matters affecting their work environments and community initiatives.
In the House of Delegates, Kathy Tran, who represents parts of Fairfax County, is leading the charge for the House bill, designated as HB1263. This bill was referred to the House committee on labor and commerce on January 14, 2024. Its counterpart in the Senate, known as SB378, was sent to the Senate committee on labor and commerce a day earlier.
As Virginia moves forward with these legislative proposals, the outcome could significantly reshape the landscape of public employee rights and collective bargaining in the state.
