Another unit of workers for a Virginia city file for union election

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.afscme.org/blog/another-unit-of-workers-for-a-virginia-city-file-for-union-election

By AFSCME Staff · Thursday, August 08, 2024

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – More workers for the city of Alexandria filed for a union election with the city’s labor relations administrator in late July. This unit of administrative and technical workers is seeking better wages, benefits and a voice on the job by forming a union through AFSCME District Council 20.

“This is such an important day for everyone in Alexandria, not just city employees,” said 27-year veteran Teresa Smith-Ross. “We give of ourselves and make personal sacrifices to do our jobs. That’s why we must advocate for ourselves to ensure that our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed. We are here because we care for the city and each other.”

She also said this day has been years in the making: “A lot of hard work has gone into making this happen. People have been working towards this for a long time.”

In 2020, public service workers all over Virginia came together and successfully organized to overturn a 44-year-old law that banned public sector collective bargaining in the commonwealth. Then, in 2022, labor and trades employees in Alexandria voted overwhelmingly to unionize with AFSCME. Last year, that unit reached a historic first contract with the city that guaranteed raises and established a step-and-grade pay schedule, among other victories.

FULL story at link above.