Efforts to expand collective bargaining in Virginia continues to grow

by John Reid

A recent poll at Christopher Newport University found 68% of Virginia workers support sector collective bargaining rights. Yesterday in Richmond, educators, lawmakers and several supporters came together for a press conference to discuss how momentum is growing for expanding collective bargaining. Among the supporters was Prince William Education Association president Maggie Hansford, who helped negotiate the state’s largest contract for educators in its history. Negotiations resulted in an average pay raise of over 5% for the teachers and staff.

State Senator Jennifer Boysko and Delegate Kathy Tran have introduced bills to repeal Virginia’s prohibition on collective bargaining by public employees. The state’s prohibition on collective bargaining began from a resolution in 1946 to stop Black University of Virgina’s Hospital’s nurses, janitors and orderlies from unionizing. The press conference was for public workers calling on the General Assembly to pass Boysko’s SB374 and Tran’s HB1001.

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VA Legislative Black Caucus condemns conditions at Red Onion State Prison

by John Reid Earlier this month, the PW Perspective reported on a petition by Concerned Citizens and Community Action Network to address reported incidents at Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison. Today, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement on the atrocities: “The VLBC is horrified at recent reports of incarcerated individuals setting themselves on […]