Spanberger Vetoes Bill Granting Collective Bargaining Rights in Virginia

In a significant decision affecting public service workers in Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger has vetoed two key pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263. These bills were designed to give hundreds of thousands of state and local government employees the rights to engage in collective bargaining, aiming to secure fair wages, safer working conditions, and improved public services.

Governor's Action Sparks Controversy

WASHINGTON— Responding to the veto, AFSCME President Lee Saunders expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the long-standing struggles of Virginia's public service workers. He highlighted that the veto goes against the Governor's prior commitments to ending what he described as "historic injustice" in the state.

“For too long, anti-worker extremists have sidelined working people while starving the public services Virginia families rely on, earning the state a reputation as one of the most anti-worker in the country. Governor Spanberger campaigned on the promise to end this historic injustice. But she has broken that promise by vetoing legislation that would have finally granted most state and local workers the freedom to collectively bargain. The landmark collective bargaining legislation, passed by pro-worker champions in the General Assembly, would have empowered more than half a million public service workers with the freedom to negotiate and to strengthen the public services that communities across the commonwealth depend on.

“While the governor has broken her word, AFSCME members are deeply grateful to the bill’s sponsors, and the leadership of both chambers, who kept theirs. Their commitment to working people stands in stark contrast to the governor and will not be forgotten. Governor Spanberger made a choice today, and working people will remember it. AFSCME members will continue fighting to ensure every public service worker in Virginia has a real voice on the job. This fight is far from over.”

The legislation was championed by pro-worker legislators in Virginia's General Assembly, who saw the bills as a means to empower over 500,000 public service employees. Despite the setback, AFSCME, representing 1.4 million members across various public service roles, remains committed to advocating for workers’ rights and fair treatment in the workplace.

About AFSCME

AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.