VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach public sector employees packed city hall Tuesday evening, demanding a collective bargaining contract. City employees and advocates say the decision is long overdue, but some taxpayers say they’re worried about the proposal.
City Council members heard comments from both sides. While those in favor say collective bargaining improves worker morale and public safety, those opposed say it takes power away from taxpayers.
Collective bargaining was legalized in the Commonwealth in 2020. If adopted, 7,500 city employees in 35 departments could unionize to negotiate wages, working conditions, benefits and more.
A letter from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2924 to the City Council requesting collective bargaining triggered a 120-day clock for a vote. City Council must vote to either adopt or reject the measure within that time frame.
“This is something that we have been working towards because we see what the benefits are in the community, so we’ve been thinking about it for quite some time,” said IAFF Local 2924 President Max Gonano.
City Council will discuss the issue on April 16 after establishing a collective bargaining task force last year. The group recommended a limit of five bargaining units to negotiate wages and benefits, working conditions and grievances.
Patricia Thebert has been a city employee for over 15 years. She says it’s time city employees represent themselves when it comes to wages and working conditions.
“We need more. You know we’ve got people working overtime, we’ve got people working two or three jobs,” she said. “We need to have a voice in the policies being written. Workers know what to do to keep themselves safe.”
Gonano says collective bargaining leads to safer communities.
“The studies are pretty clear, when you bring the people who actually do the work together to collaborate, it makes a safer workplace,” he said. “The states that have these minimum rights for fire and EMS workers have fewer civilian fire fatalities, as well as fewer firefighter fatalities.”
Skeptics on Tuesday evening asked how the measure would affect taxpayers.
“Collective bargaining is adversarial at its core,” said Diana Howard, representing the Virginia Beach Tea Party. Sean Gary, also in opposition, called it a “disaster for Virginia Beach taxpayers.”
“What is done without the taxpayers having any input will be what determines the amount of taxpayer funding for the city of Virginia Beach,” added Bruce Cameron.
Other skeptics at the meeting said the need for collective bargaining simply isn’t there. They argue the city already treats its workers well.
“The city does take care of its workers, and I think you’re doing an outstanding job,” said Matt Wallace.
Residents also raised concerns about city employees being forced to join unions against their will and first responders threatening to strike. Virginia law bans forcing public employees to join unions. It also prohibits them from striking.
In November 2023, Portsmouth adopted collective bargaining, becoming the first city in Hampton Roads to do so. Last December, Norfolk City Council voted 5-3 against it.