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Bill

SB 1401

Firefighters and emergency medical services providers; collective bargaining.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Louise Lucas and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1401 authorizes Virginia firefighters and EMS workers to collectively bargain for wages, benefits, and conditions, potentially increasing municipal labor costs while strengthening worker negotiating power.

Incorporated by Commerce and Labor (SB917-Surovell) (15-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 1401

Legislative bill overview

SB 1401 grants firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) providers in Virginia the right to engage in collective bargaining with their employers. The bill allows these public safety workers to negotiate collectively on wages, benefits, and working conditions, a right currently limited or unavailable to many such workers in Virginia.

Why is this important

Firefighters and EMS providers face demanding, often low-paid work with irregular schedules and high injury/mortality risks. Collective bargaining could give these workers greater leverage to negotiate better compensation, staffing levels, and safety protocols. Conversely, municipalities and counties would face increased costs and reduced management flexibility in budget planning and operational decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Local governments argue collective bargaining increases labor costs significantly, potentially straining municipal budgets and requiring tax increases or service reductions elsewhere
  • Essential services and strike protections: Disputes over whether public safety workers should have strike rights or be subject to binding arbitration, given their role in emergencies
  • Parity and fairness: Questions about whether granting this right to firefighters/EMS only (versus police or other public employees) creates inconsistent labor policy across government sectors

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

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