AFSCME urges rejection of Virginia bill undermining workers' rights

In a significant development concerning labor rights in Virginia, AFSCME President Lee Saunders has called on state legislators to reject a revised bill proposed by Governor Abigail Spanberger. This substitute bill alters the original Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263, which were designed to expand collective bargaining rights for state employees and bolster bargaining capabilities for local government workers.

Push for Collective Bargaining

AFSCME members have been pivotal in advocating for the original legislation, collaborating actively with supportive lawmakers in the General Assembly. The goal was to empower over 500,000 public service workers with the ability to engage in collective bargaining, a process that many believe could enhance public services through strengthened worker voices.

"AFSCME members worked tirelessly with pro-worker lawmakers in the General Assembly to pass legislation granting over half-a-million public service workers the freedom to collectively bargain. When public service workers have a voice on the job, they use that voice to improve and strengthen the public services we all depend on," stated Lee Saunders.

Governor's Revised Bill Sparks Concern

The substitute bill introduced by Gov. Spanberger has raised alarms, as it is seen as a step back from the original intentions of SB 378 and HB 1263. Critics argue that instead of providing consistent and reliable collective bargaining rights, the new proposal would leave such decisions at the mercy of a state agency, potentially leading to fluctuating rules and uncertain outcomes.

"The governor’s substitute bill not only fails to durably expand collective bargaining freedoms – it takes Virginia workers backwards by weakening the rights public service workers have fought for and established at the local government level. Instead of workers and employers alike having the certainty created by SB 378 and HB 1263, the substitute bill, if it were to become law, makes collective bargaining subject to the whims of a state agency that could change the rules at any time," Saunders emphasized.

Legislative Response

Delegate Kathy Tran and Senator Scott Surovell have been prominently thanked for their relentless efforts in passing the original bill. AFSCME and its members are now urging the General Assembly to dismiss the governor's substitute proposal and restore the original, worker-supportive legislation for gubernatorial approval.

"We thank the leaders in the General Assembly, especially Delegate Kathy Tran and Senator Scott Surovell, who worked around the clock to pass this bill. AFSCME members urge the General Assembly to reject the substitute bill, and send the original, pro-worker bill back to the governor’s desk for signature," Saunders concluded.