Bill > SB1489

This bill allows counties, cities, and towns in Virginia to create local ordinances or resolutions that provide protections for service employees during business transitions. The bill defines several key terms, including "service employees" (workers who perform property maintenance, airport services, or food preparation at schools) and "covered locations" (such as multi-family residential buildings, commercial centers, schools, airports, and other specified sites). Under this bill, local governments can create ordinances that require successor service employers to retain incumbent service employees for a 90-day transition period, with specific provisions about employee retention and dismissal. The ordinances can also mandate that employers provide advance written notice to employees about ownership changes, share employee information with new employers, and conduct performance evaluations. If an employer violates these local ordinances, employees can bring civil actions to recover back pay and potentially receive additional damages. Importantly, the bill does not apply to buildings owned by the Commonwealth or institutions of higher education, and successor employers may still reduce staff if fewer workers are needed to perform the work. The goal of the bill appears to be providing job stability and protection for service workers during business transitions.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1489