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Bill

Bill

SB 378

Public employees; repeals existing prohibition on collective bargaining, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boysko and 2 co-sponsors

SB 378 repeals Virginia's ban on public employee collective bargaining, allowing government workers to organize and negotiate wages and conditions with employers.

Governor's recommendation received by Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 378

Legislative bill overview

SB 378 repeals Virginia's existing prohibition on collective bargaining for public employees, allowing government workers to organize and negotiate collectively on wages, benefits, and working conditions. The bill eliminates the current legal ban that has prevented public sector unions from formally negotiating with state and local government employers.

Why is this important

This represents a fundamental shift in labor relations for Virginia's public workforce, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of state and local government employees. The change could increase labor costs for government budgets while potentially improving compensation and working conditions for public employees, with significant fiscal implications that prompted multiple impact statements.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Government agencies' concerns about increased labor costs, pension obligations, and budget pressures from collective bargaining agreements
  • Service delivery: Concerns that collective bargaining agreements could restrict management flexibility in staffing, scheduling, and operational decisions for public services
  • Competing labor philosophies: Disagreement over whether public employees should have collective bargaining rights versus arguments that government operations require different management approaches than private sector unions

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

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