VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach City Council heard from dozens on Tuesday night as they consider whether or not to approve collective bargaining for the city’s public workers.
The request, submitted by Virginia Beach’s local fire and EMS union in February, would allow unions to negotiate on behalf of city employees for things such as better pay and improved working conditions.
“When you collaborate with the people who do the work, it means a more efficient city and better services for residents,” said Max Gonano, president of the union.
It comes after a Virginia law went into effect in 2021 that allows for public sector bargaining. So far, Portsmouth is the only local government in Hampton Roads to approve collective bargaining. Norfolk declined to do so back in November.
Many longtime city workers spoke in favor of adopting collective bargaining at the public comment session on Tuesday, including former Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera and former Virginia Beach Fire Chief Steve Cover.
“From public safety to public works and utilities, parks and recreation and mental health services, more than 30 departments keep our city operating 24 hours a day. There’s an opportunity before you to show our employees they really do matter,” Cover said.
Eric Ellerbe, who’s worked in the city’s maintenance for more than a decade, said many city workers are leaving after just a few years on the job.
“They get their CDLs and they got somewhere else that’s paying more. It’s always the same conversation every time … if we do collective bargaining, I believe the city will save hundreds of thousands of dollars or more per year on turnover costs,” Ellerbe said.
“I’ve dealt with the struggle through the city going on 36 years,” added Terry Green with the Virginia Beach City Workers Union, who’s been advocating for city workers for several years now.
Meanwhile Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association Local 34 President Brian Luciano emphasized that employees won’t be required to join a union if collective bargaining is approved. They also still won’t be able to go on strike, per Virginia law.
“I know that this issue is strongly partisan. It should not be a partisan issue,” said Luciano, who acknowledged his personal politics “don’t usually align with the side of the aisle” that typically supports collective bargaining efforts. “Giving police officers and workers a stronger voice with their employer equates to support, real support.”
There were also several speakers critical of collective bargaining, mostly pointing to the associated cost increases.
“Where’s the money coming from? Likely the result will be an increase in the property taxes that are assessed in order to raise the revenue, in order to meet the bill that’s due,” said Michael Callan, a city resident and school board member.
“What problem are we trying to solve here?” asked Andy Baan, who ran for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat as a Republican in 2022. “We heard earlier if you don’t take of your people they won’t take care of you. And that’s exactly right. So when you put a job offer in front of someone they can decide for themselves whether or not they’re being taken care of.”
City leaders have said it’ll cost around $1 million per year at a minimum to implement collective bargaining, as they continue to work to finalize the city’s fiscal year 2025 budget.
Mayor Bobby Dyer has set the vote on the issue for April 30.