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What They’re Saying: Collective Bargaining in Virginia

Mar 5, 2020 by AFP

Richmond lawmakers are considering legislation that could make collective bargaining mandatory in Virginia. Recent polling in the state showed Virginians overwhelmingly support Right to Work in the state. The survey found that:

  • Fully 63% of respondents oppose repealing the part of Virginia’s right-to-work law that prevents workers from being fired if they choose not to join a union or pay fees to a union. Opposition to this change is above 55% in every major media market.
  • Two-thirds of voters favor Virginia’s right-to-work law. Right-to-work laws receive bipartisan support, including 81% among Republicans, 74% among Independents, and 56% among Democrats.

Below are letters and articles highlighting the voices of concerned Virginians and the effects collective bargaining could have on the Commonwealth:

Letters 

County of Shenandoah Resolution in Support of Worker Freedom Including Right to Work 

Frederick County Board of Supervisors Resolution in Support of Right to Work 

The Goldwater Institute’s Letter to Delegate Elizabeth Guzman 

The Goldwater Institute’s Letter to Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn 

In the Media 

The Washington Post: Don’t turn Virginia into California

“Now is not the time to pass a one-sided bill that hurts public employees and taxpayers and puts the Old Dominion’s destiny in the hands of government unions.”

The Center Square: Collective bargaining, right-to-work repeals could cost Virginia millions of dollars

“Two Virginia bills that would grant more power to unions would cost the Commonwealth of Virginia millions of dollars, according to the bills’ fiscal impact statements.”

The Washington Post: Virginia’s right-to-work law has led to its economic success

“Right-to-work has endured for more than 70 years because it has brought prosperity to Virginia. That’s also why it has enjoyed bipartisan support.”

VA WORKS: Loophole in collective bargaining bill could allow teacher strikes in Virginia

“Virginia’s House and Senate have adopted competing versions of a collective bargaining bill, which would insert government unions in between public employees and their employers.”

The Wall Street Journal: Will Public Unions Take Virginia?

“Cities and counties are right to worry that collective bargaining could cost millions and force local tax increases.”

The Center Square: Legislation to allow public sector exclusive union representation advances in Virginia Senate committee

“Some local governments have predicted that collective bargaining rights could cost them millions of dollars.”

The Roanoke Times: Liebau: The trouble with collective bargaining: A cautionary tale from Connecticut

“Virginia’s legislators should do their jobs — by standing up for common sense and fiscal restraint, and protecting their constituents by saying “no!” to collective bargaining for government employees.”

The Wall Street Journal: Virginia Is for Public-Sector Union Lovers

“If Virginia lawmakers are dead set on making their government emulate New York’s, they shouldn’t be surprised when costs, and outcomes, do the same.”

The Center Square: Opponents warn collective bargaining could harm Virginia school quality

“Opponents of two bills that would grant collective bargaining rights to public sector unions in Virginia are warning the legislation could harm school funds and the autonomy of teachers.”

Analysis: Virginia Education Association Wants Collective Bargaining for Teachers — but Talks With Its Own Employees Led to Lawsuits, Sanctions

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