Vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that authorizes state and local public employees the right to collective bargaining in Virginia.

Highlights:

• Authorizes all state and local public employees the right to collective bargaining in Virginia, rather than only if authorized by the county, city, town, or school board employing them (Sec. 1). 

• Requires public employers that are exclusive bargaining representatives to negotiate in good faith at reasonable times and places concerning wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, with no requirement of either party agreeing to a proposal or making a concession (Sec. 1). 

• Repeals a provision that requires workers to have the right to vote by secret ballot when deciding whether to have a union represent them (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes the Public Employee Relations Board as an agency in the executive branch of the Virginia state government to be made up of 5 members and will be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the initial appointments to the Board shall be made by October 1, 2027, and shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect on July 1, 2027 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes state and local public employees the right to collective bargaining in Virginia.

Highlights:

• Authorizes all state and local public employees the right to collective bargaining in Virginia, rather than only if authorized by the county, city, town, or school board employing them (Sec. 1). 

• Requires public employers that are exclusive bargaining representatives to negotiate in good faith at reasonable times and places concerning wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, with no requirement of either party agreeing to a proposal or making a concession (Sec. 1). 

• Repeals a provision that requires workers to have the right to vote by secret ballot when deciding whether to have a union represent them (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes the Public Employee Relations Board as an agency in the executive branch of the Virginia state government to be made up of 5 members and will be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the initial appointments to the Board shall be made by October 1, 2027, and shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect on July 1, 2027 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text