Virginia Governor Thwarts Key Legislation to Strengthen Workers' Rights

/PRNewswire/ -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters strongly condemns Governor Abigail Spanberger for vetoing a bill that would have established and protected collective bargaining rights for public sector workers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The bill would have enabled state and local employees statewide to negotiate improved wages, benefits, and working conditions collectively. Governor Spanberger's veto marks a major disappointment for thousands of workers facing ongoing inflation and soaring costs for food, housing, and everyday essentials.

"Workers deserve leaders who stand by them in their pursuit of a brighter future," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "The Teamsters will partner with Democrats, Republicans, or Independents truly dedicated to safeguarding workers' rights and collective bargaining. Sadly, Governor Spanberger's veto in Virginia underscores the need for unions and committed citizens to hold all elected officials accountable. We cannot take for granted that any party's lawmakers automatically support workers. True progress demands bipartisan coalitions with the courage to deliver for working Americans."

Throughout the legislative session, Virginia General Assembly members collaborated closely with the Teamsters and other unions to advance this vital bill and protect public employees' rights. The Teamsters commend the lawmakers who championed workers, backed the legislation, and treated collective bargaining as a core right - not a political pawn - essential for building stable family lives.

The Teamsters pledge to persist in the battle for collective bargaining rights for every public sector worker in Virginia.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking men and women in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Contact:
Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279
[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters