Loudoun Supervisors loosen collective bargaining rules for public employees

In October, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to allow representatives of labor unions into County buildings for the purpose of talking to and recruiting public employees for membership.

Prior to the passage of the new “collective bargaining” rule, Virginia law had prohibited state and local governments in the Commonwealth from recognizing union and/or collective bargaining organizations. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill in April authorizing collective bargaining for some public employees here.  And, Loudoun has followed suit.

Some County employees are already members of, for example, the Service Employees International Union.  

But, the issue took a dramatic turn in April when state law changed, giving localities the authority, if they choose, to recognize collective bargaining representatives, allowing unions to negotiate on behalf of public employees.

Employees that function as what are known as “Constitutional Officers” – which, in Loudoun County include the Sheriff, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, the Treasurer, the Commissioner of the Revenue, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court – are excluded.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) introduced the measure, which was approved on a 6 to 3 vote.

Republican Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) opposed the measure, noting that just because collective bargaining had come to Virginia, didn’t mean it needed to come to Loudoun.

The presence of public unions and collective bargaining power, in general, is a complicated if not contentious issue.

Proponents point to the need to allow employees, including public employees, to organize.  Opponents fear such things drive up costs, and make it more difficult to terminate bad actors.