VA Governor Spanberger weighs collective bargaining for public workers

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 approves. Governor 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 profession. Spanberger, when asked about the legislation Wednesday, didn’t expressly say what she will do with the legislation, but said she supports public sector collective bargaining.