Public sector collective bargaining legislation sits on Spanberger’s desk

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The future of public sector collective bargaining sits with Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Currently, public sector workers can only collectively bargain if their locality or school board has approved of it. 

However, Spanberger is considering bills that would eliminate the opt-in and allow most public workers, including teachers and certain first responders to negotiate for higher wages, better working conditions, and more, regardless of where they work. 

“I think it’s an opportunity for them to finally have a seat at the table, to be able to talk to their employers, to be able to talk to us,” Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax), who wrote the Senate version of the legislation, told 8News. 

Republicans, like Delegate Mike Cherry (R-Colonial Heights), aren’t on board. 

“We see what the cost increase is,” Cherry told 8News. 

Cherry said localities where local governments have adopted collective bargaining have had to pay more in salaries, something that could force localities to raise taxes to make up the added costs.

“When we look at Chesterfield County, which is one of the largest in the commonwealth, they’re looking at a $200+ million price tag,” Cherry said.

Cherry said to make up for that shortfall, Chesterfield might have to raise residents' real estate tax by $0.30/$100 of assessed value. 

However, Surovell said the legislation won’t raise taxes. He said that’s because the bills ensure that local governments only have to approve a collective bargaining agreement if they have the necessary money. 

“The governing body can come back and say we don’t have the funds to pay that agreement, then they have to go back to the table. Nobody can strike. Nobody can force it to happen,” Surovell told 8News.

When asked on Wednesday, Spanberger didn’t say what she will do with the legislation, but did say she supports public sector collective bargaining.