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7/29/24 The Patch: New Group Of Alexandria Workers Take Step Toward Collective Bargaining
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2024
City of Alexandria Administrative and Clerical Workers Vote to Unionize with AFSCME Council 20
This victory marks a significant milestone for public employees in the region.
ALEXANDRIA – On Friday, administrative and technical workers for the City of Alexandria voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing with AFSCME Council 20, an affiliate of the largest union for public service workers in the country. The historic vote ensures these essential workers have a collective voice on critical workplace issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.
“This is an incredible day for all city employees in Alexandria," said Annette Bridges, an Administrative Support worker for the city. “We work hard every day to keep this city running, and now we’ll have a real voice in decisions that impact our jobs and our lives. This victory is about dignity, respect, and fairness for everyone.”
The successful unionization comes after years of organizing and advocacy by city workers determined to create positive change in their workplace. This marks a continuation of Alexandria’s growing union movement, following the successful unionization of labor and trades employees in 2022, who later secured a historic first contract with the city.
Annette also highlighted the significance of this victory. “When we saw the changes the labor and trades workers achieved through their union contract, we knew we could do it too. Today, we’ve proven that when workers stand together, we can win real change.”
In 2020, public service workers across Virginia overturned a 44-year-old law banning public sector collective bargaining. Since then, Alexandria has been at the forefront of this movement, with workers leading the way in building a stronger, more equitable workplace.
Wayne L. Enoch, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 20, praised the workers’ determination and resolve:
“For too long, public employees in Virginia were denied the basic right to collectively bargain. Today’s victory by Alexandria’s administrative and clerical workers shows what’s possible when workers stand together. We are proud to welcome them into the AFSCME family and look forward to negotiating a strong first contract that reflects their dedication and hard work.”
With this vote, Alexandria’s administrative and clerical workers will now prepare to negotiate their first union contract, focusing on fair wages, improved benefits, and a more transparent workplace.
For more updates, visit afscmeva.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2024
City of Alexandria Administrative and Clerical Workers File for Union Election
This group aims to be the latest union for public employees in the region
ALEXANDRIA – On Friday, city workers in Alexandria officially filed for a union election with the city’s labor relations administrator. The group of administrative and clerical workers are seeking better wages, benefits, and a voice on the job. Workers are looking to join AFSCME Council 20, and affiliate of American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union for public service workers in the country.
“This is such an important day for everyone in Alexandria, not just city employees” said Teresa Smith-Ross, a city employee for 27 years. “We give of ourselves and make personal sacrifices to do our jobs. That’s why we must advocate for ourselves to ensure that our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed. We are here because we care for the city and each other!”
She also says this day has been years in the making. “A lot of hard work has gone into making this happen. People have been working towards this for a long time.”
In 2020, public service workers all over Virginia came together and successfully organized to overturn a 44-year-old law that banned public sector collective bargaining in the commonwealth. Then, in 2022, labor and trades employees in Alexandria voted overwhelmingly to unionize with AFSCME. Last year, they reached a historic first contract with the city that guaranteed raises and established a step-and-grade pay schedule, among other victories.
Department of Emergency and Customer Service employee, Emerita Valentin said that the labor and trades contract activated support in other departments. “I think when people saw the contract labor and trades got, they really began to see how a union really changes things.” Valentin dsaid. “We’ve been advocating for changes for years, but until you have a seat at the table, your voice can be ignored. That’s why we’re doing this. We deserve to have our voice heard.”
Now, workers will focus on winning their union election, which they’re confident they will win.
“It just comes down to dignity and respect. I’ve talked with countless of my coworkers and we all want that, no matter who you are,” Valentin said. “That’s why we’re going to win.”
In a statement AFSCME Council 20 Executive Director Wayne L. Enoch said the following:
“For many years, unions in local governments were unheard of in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Now, we have a movement building. We are overjoyed that Administrative and Clerical workers in the City of Alexandria have filed for election and look forward to them winning a voice on the job!”