Alexandria City Professionals Vote to Unionize with AFSCME Council 20

Alexandria Professionals Secure Union Representation in Landmark Vote

In a pivotal moment for public employees in Alexandria, Virginia, professional workers have secured the right to unionize under AFSCME District Council 20. The decisive vote, tallying 155 in favor with just one against, grants these employees a collective voice on pivotal workplace matters, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.

With this significant development, all eligible employees in Alexandria are now represented by unions, marking a historic achievement for the region's public workforce.

"Winning this is not just a victory for one person, it's a victory for every worker who believes in fairness and respect," stated Tia Littlejohn-Adams, an accountant for the city. "Together, we didn't just campaign, we built unity among members and colleagues."

Since 2021, Alexandria has seen all five eligible bargaining units successfully file and win their union elections, with three of these being AFSCME-represented units. These groups encompass workers in labor, trade, administrative, technical, and now professional roles. The newly unionized professionals are eager to leverage the achievements of their predecessors as they move forward.

Jared Alves, serving as an urban planner for the city, expressed the collective enthusiasm of his colleagues: "This resounding vote for our union signals that Alexandria professionals know that we are stronger together,” he said. “Now let's turn this victory into action!”

In 2023, Alexandria's labor and trade employees reached a groundbreaking first contract with the city, securing pay raises and instituting a step-and-grade pay structure. Similarly, administrative and technical employees experienced substantial gains in their 2025 contract negotiations, with all members voting unanimously in favor.

Steve Frutos, a senior therapist in the Department of Community & Human Services, emphasized the broader impact of this victory: “It's long overdue to have a real voice in how we do our vital work for the residents of Alexandria,” Frutos said. “Our ultimate goal is to create a more effective workplace in order to do our best for them. The more we can achieve as a union, the more our city stands to gain.”

With their unionization confirmed, Alexandria’s professional workers are now poised to negotiate their inaugural union contract, aiming for equitable wages, enhanced benefits, and a more transparent workplace environment.