Virginia public service workers speak out after Spanberger plans to veto collective bargaining bill

Added: 2026-05-19

[00:00:00]Virginia public service workers say they feel betrayed by the governor's veto of collective bargaining legislation. The measure would have given public employees across the Commonwealth the ability to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions as a group.

[00:00:13]Spanberger requested changes to the original legislation to give localities more flexibility. Lawmakers rejected those changes. In a virtual event today, public workers from Hampton Roads to Northern Virginia voiced their disappointment.

[00:00:28]Shame on governor for breaking her promise.

[00:00:31]She looked us in the eyes and promised us that if we put collective bargaining bill on her desk, she would sign it.

[00:00:40]Her veto is a betrayal of all working people in Virginia.

[00:00:47]Now, Spanberger still has until May 23rd to make a decision, but lawmakers say she intends to veto it. Several Hampton Roads mayors sent letters to lawmakers and the governor with their concerns around the bill, including the impact it could have on taxpayers' wallets.