Today, Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy released the following statement in support of the implementation of collective bargaining for public servants in Prince William County. As Delegate, Carroll Foy played a key role in passing HB 582 which allows for localities to recognize collective bargaining agreements for public employees and is effective May 1, 2021, in addition to fighting for a higher minimum wage, cracking down on corporations exploiting their employees, ensuring workers have access to quality healthcare, and more. Carroll Foy is committed to elevating workers and making Virginia a pro-worker model for the nation as governor. 

“I know what it’s like to be paid an unlivable wage and to lack the protection of a union that fought to ensure workers were treated with respect and dignity. That’s why I’ve been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with working people –– from protesting on the picket line, to inside the legislature, fighting to ensure that workers’ rights were not only protected, but expanded.

“I’m proud to have helped pass HB 582, an important first step to allowing public servants – from our teachers to our firefighters and more, all of whom have sacrificed deeply during this pandemic – to collectively bargain in Virginia. I join our public employees in their push to ensure the recognition of collective bargaining in Prince William County, so working people here can have a real voice in determining their pay, benefits, critical job safety conditions, and more. As Governor, I’m committed to the continued fight for workers’ rights, so that Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth have the just and equitable workplace they deserve.”

Earlier in the week, the Prince William Democratic Committee also released a statement showing their support for the Virginia Legislative Assembly and Governor Ralph Northam allowing Collective Bargaining in the Commonwealth.