Bill > SB378

This bill repeals the existing prohibition on public employees engaging in collective bargaining, establishing a new framework for public sector labor relations. It creates the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) to oversee this process, including determining appropriate bargaining units for state and local government employees and overseeing elections for exclusive bargaining representatives, which are organizations chosen to represent employees in negotiations. Public employers and these employee organizations are required to negotiate in good faith regarding wages, hours, and other employment conditions. The bill also establishes the Virginia Home Care Council to promote stability in the individual provider workforce, which will act as the public employer for these providers solely for collective bargaining purposes, while preserving the rights of participants to hire and fire their direct support providers. Certain provisions of the bill, including the establishment of the PERB and the full implementation of collective bargaining rights, will take effect on July 1, 2028, with a requirement for the Department of Labor and Industry to promulgate necessary regulations by that date.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

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