Augusta County asks Spanberger to reject collective bargaining bill

Opposition to a mandate requiring Augusta County to engage in collective bargaining unions continued with the Augusta County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday March 25.

The board approved a resolution that “strongly opposes” legislation putting the requirement into law passed by both chambers of the Virginia legislature that is currently awaiting a signature from Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

The board previously stated their opposition to the collective bargaining bill in a February letter to the county’s state-level representatives, which argued for county-level decision making on whether or not they “engage in collective bargaining for public sector employees.”

The supervisors cited a $36 million price tag for the county if the bill is passed, a number derived from adding an estimated 20% increase to salaries and benefits for county employees, hiring a labor relations manager and legal consulting fees.

The resolution wasn’t on the agenda, as it came up at the last minute.

“I’ve got one matter that has come up, actually, just came up today,” explained County Administrator Tim Fitzgerald. “It was a good timing.”

The resolution was brought to the county by VACo, the Virginia Association of Counties. According to its website, the organization’s “legislative steering committees monitor state and national legislative activities for changes affecting local governments” and it is “governed by a board of directors made up of local government officials.”

The board currently includes President Victor Angry of Prince William County, President-Elect Phil North of Roanoke County and other officials from Floyd, Fairfax, Accomack counties and more.

The resolution was sent to Augusta County by Dean Lynch, VACo’s executive director.

“VACo is putting on a strong push with the governor’s office to try to, essentially, convince the governor not to sign legislation due to the issues that collective bargaining may cause local governments,” Fitzgerald explained.

The resolution affirms the board’s opposition to both the House and Senate versions of the bill, though only the House bill has been passed by both chambers of the Virginia Legislature.

“Current Virginia law provides a local option allowing governing bodies to determine whether and how to engage in collective bargaining, based on local fiscal capacity, workforce deeds, and service priorities,” reads the resolution.

The resolution was passed in a 6-1 vote, with Supervisor Stephen Grepps in opposition. Grepps is the former president of the Augusta County Professional Firefighers and Paramedics Local 4664 union and also opposed the letter approved by the supervisors last month. While he did not comment on his opposition to the resolution on March 25, he did last month.

“Collective bargaining enables [unions] to negotiate collectively for better wages, benefits, working conditions through [a] legally binding collective bargain agreement, which is CBA, typically resulting in higher pay, improved health insurance, retirement plans, and [a] safer, more secure work environment,” said Grepps. “It provides a formal voice for workers, reducing arbitrary treatment and ensuring due process in disputes.”

Grepps announced his support for S.B. 378 and added “I worked hard to try to get collective bargaining here.”

Reporting by Lyra Bordelon, Staunton News Leader