WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJ 492

Constitutional amendment; right to work (first reference).

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Israel O'Quinn

Virginia constitutional amendment making employment union-membership-free, prohibiting mandatory union dues as job condition.

Left in Privileges and Elections
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 492

Legislative bill overview

HJ 492 proposes a constitutional amendment establishing a "right to work" in Virginia, which would prohibit mandatory union membership or dues payments as a condition of employment. The amendment would need to pass the legislature twice in consecutive sessions and then be approved by voters in a referendum to become part of the Virginia Constitution.

Why is this important

Right-to-work laws affect the balance of power between workers, employers, and unions. They influence union membership levels, worker organizing capacity, and labor dispute dynamics across the state. Virginia's constitutional status would make such protections extremely difficult to reverse, representing a major structural change to labor law.

Potential points of contention

  • Union opposition: Labor unions argue mandatory dues funding is essential for effective worker representation and collective bargaining power, and that right-to-work laws weaken their ability to negotiate wages and benefits
  • Economic impact debate: Supporters claim it attracts business investment and worker freedom; opponents cite research showing it may correlate with lower wages and reduced worker protections in some sectors
  • Constitutional amendment threshold: Placing this in the constitution (rather than statute) creates an exceptionally high bar for future modification, preventing legislatures from adjusting labor policy responsively

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

Sign in to ask a question.