Bill > SB378

This bill repeals the existing prohibition on collective bargaining for public employees in Virginia and establishes a framework for public employee unions to negotiate with their employers. It creates the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) to oversee these processes, including determining appropriate bargaining units for employees and conducting elections to certify exclusive bargaining representatives, which are organizations authorized to negotiate on behalf of employees. Public employers, such as state agencies and local governments, are now required to meet and negotiate in good faith with these representatives regarding wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. The bill also establishes the Virginia Home Care Authority to oversee home care programs and designates it as the public employer for individual providers of direct support services for the purpose of collective bargaining, though participants retain the right to select and manage their own providers. Certain provisions, including the establishment of the PERB and the full implementation of collective bargaining rights, will take effect on July 1, 2028, with the PERB needing to adopt regulations by that date.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB378