Mayors in South Hampton Roads are considering banding together to oppose legislation that would require Virginia cities to allow public service employees to collectively bargain, citing concerns over the costs associated with such agreements. Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer is leading the effort and plans to form a coalition with other local mayors to push back against the proposed legislation, which would force cities to recognize collective bargaining.
The Virginia Police Benevolent Association has supported the bill, but Governor Glenn Youngkin has indicated that he does not support it. The legislation, backed by Democrats, aims to give public sector employees the right to negotiate wages and other conditions of employment. Local mayors, including Rick West of Chesapeake and Shannon Glover of Portsmouth, have expressed opposition to collective bargaining, citing financial concerns and the potential impact on taxpayers.
Despite Portsmouth being the first Hampton Roads city to grant employees the ability to collectively bargain in 2023, the city council has yet to determine the scope of the agreements. Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander has also voiced opposition to collective bargaining, stating it could lead to service cuts or tax increases.
The issue is expected to be a topic of discussion in upcoming City Council meetings and budget talks, as mayors seek to protect the authority of local governments and address concerns over the costs and implications of collective bargaining. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for public sector employees in Virginia Beach and other cities in the region.
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