Alexandria City Workers Secure Unionization with AFSCME District Council 20

Alexandria's Workforce Takes a Unified Stand with AFSCME

In a significant move for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, administrative and technical staff have voted decisively to join AFSCME District Council 20. This marks a pivotal moment for these workers, granting them a collective voice in critical discussions concerning their employment conditions, such as salaries, benefits, and workplace environment.

Annette Bridges, a city administrative support worker, expressed the sentiment of many by stating, “This is an incredible day for all city employees in Alexandria. We work hard every day to keep this city running, and now we’ll have a real voice in decisions that impact our jobs and our lives. This victory is about dignity, respect and fairness for everyone.”

The unionization triumph is the result of persistent organizing and advocacy efforts by the city's workforce. It follows the trend started by labor and trades employees in 2022, who successfully unionized and subsequently negotiated a landmark first contract with the city.

Bridges reflected on the influence of earlier union efforts, stating, “When we saw the changes the labor and trades workers achieved through their union contract, we knew we could do it too. Today, we’ve proven that when workers stand together, we can win real change.”

Since the repeal of a 44-year-old ban on public sector collective bargaining in Virginia in 2020, Alexandria has been a leader in promoting equitable working conditions, spearheaded by its determined workforce.

Wayne L. Enoch, the executive director of AFSCME District Council 20, commended the workers’ efforts, saying, “For too long, public employees in Virginia were denied the basic right to collectively bargain. Today’s victory by Alexandria’s administrative and technical workers shows what’s possible when workers stand together. We are proud to welcome them into the AFSCME family and look forward to negotiating a strong first contract that reflects their dedication and hard work.”

Following the vote, Alexandria's administrative and technical workforce is set to embark on negotiations for their inaugural union contract, targeting equitable pay, enhanced benefits, and increased transparency in the workplace.