Richmond, Virginia — Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation Thursday that would have expanded collective bargaining rights for public employees across Virginia, triggering criticism from unions that had backed the proposal and supported her campaign.
The bills would have built on a 2020 law that lets local government employees collectively bargain only if their city, county, or school board opts in. Supporters said the legislation would give teachers, firefighters, home care workers, higher education staff, and other public workers more power to negotiate wages, staffing, benefits, and working conditions.
Spanberger said she supported collective bargaining in principle but argued the bills needed changes before moving forward. Her proposed amendments would have required the state to start first with state employees, home care workers, and higher education service employees before expanding the system to local public workers. Lawmakers rejected those changes during an April 22 special session.
Labor groups called the veto a betrayal, noting Spanberger had appeared at a February SEIU rally supporting the effort. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell said the governor’s amendments amounted to “a total rewrite.”
Republicans and some local officials raised concerns about costs, budgets, and local control. House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore said the bill would have driven up local taxes.
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, elected on the same Democratic ticket, said she still supports making collective bargaining available to public sector unions.
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