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Bill

HB 2764

Collective bargaining by public employees; exclusive bargaining representatives.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 50 co-sponsors

Bill would grant Virginia public employees collective bargaining rights and exclusive union representation; Governor vetoed citing cost and efficiency concerns; veto sustained in House vote.

Requires 64 affirmative votes to override Governor's veto
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Bill Summary · HB 2764

Legislative bill overview

HB 2764 would establish collective bargaining rights for Virginia public employees and create a framework for exclusive bargaining representatives to negotiate on their behalf. The bill passed the legislature but was vetoed by the Governor in March 2025, and the veto was sustained by the House in April 2025 (the bill needed 64 votes to override but fell short).

Why is this important

Public employee collective bargaining directly affects labor protections, wages, benefits, and working conditions for tens of thousands of state and local government workers in Virginia. The outcome also reflects broader national divisions over union rights, government labor costs, and employee protections versus management flexibility in the public sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Union expansion vs. fiscal concerns: Opponents argue collective bargaining increases government labor costs and limits management flexibility; supporters argue it protects workers from inadequate wages and poor conditions
  • Exclusive representation authority: Questions about whether one union should represent all employees in a bargaining unit, potentially excluding non-members from individual negotiation rights
  • Government efficiency: Disagreement over whether collective bargaining strengthens accountability and worker morale or creates bureaucratic obstacles to responsive public service

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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