Spanberger to Veto Virginia Collective Bargaining Bill for 500,000 Public Workers
Updated
Updated · Cardinal News · May 14
Spanberger to Veto Virginia Collective Bargaining Bill for 500,000 Public Workers
11 articles · Updated · Cardinal News · May 14
Abigail Spanberger told Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell she will veto legislation that would have let Virginia state and local employees collectively bargain, with Surovell confirming the decision Wednesday.
April 22 rejection of the governor’s amendments sent the bill back in its original form, and Spanberger said she supports collective bargaining only if lawmakers “get it right.”
Scott Surovell called the move “disappointed and perplexed,” saying Spanberger’s amendments created an “entirely new bill” after the legislature had already acted.
Virginia’s public-sector labor coalition, representing hundreds of thousands of workers, blasted the planned veto, while Republicans said blocking the measure would help prevent higher local taxes.
May 23 is Spanberger’s deadline to act on other major bills still pending, including cannabis retail legislation that lawmakers want to launch with sales starting Jan. 1, 2027.
With a key labor bill vetoed, what is the true path forward for Virginia's half a million public employees?
How will Virginia's pioneering paid leave law, a first in the South, reshape its economy and attract future workers?