AFSCME’s Saunders: It’s time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia’s public service workers a voice on the job

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Virginia General Assembly rejecting the substitute bill submitted by Gov. Abigail Spanberger gutting Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263:

“The Virginia legislature did the right thing today. More than half a million public service workers have waited long enough for a voice on the job and a seat at the table.
 
“When Governor Spanberger's substitute threatened to gut those rights, legislators heard from workers and they stood firm. That's what leadership looks like.
 
“Now, Governor Spanberger has a chance to do right by Virginians, as she promised. Sign this bill as passed. Don't leave workers behind. Help us build a stronger Virginia by empowering the people who keep it running. The General Assembly sent a clear message. We are asking the governor to honor it.
 
“AFSCME will never stop fighting for the rights of Virginia's public service workers, and we will not rest until every one of them has the freedom to collectively bargain for the life they deserve.”

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AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.