SB 917 Collective bargaining by public employees; exclusive bargaining representatives.

Dear Members of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association
Today, I write to you about an issue close to the heart of every public employee in Virginia—the passage of Senate Bill 917 (SB 917), which champions collective bargaining rights for public sector workers.As public employees, you are the backbone of our Commonwealth, providing essential services that ensure the safety, education, and well-being of millions of Virginians. Yet, for far too long, the voices of those who serve have been undervalued in shaping the terms and conditions of their employment. SB 917 seeks to change this by empowering you with the legal framework to negotiate fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable benefits through collective bargaining.This legislation represents a pivotal moment in our shared commitment to equity, fairness, and respect for public workers. By supporting SB 917, we ensure that public employees have a seat at the table, fostering stronger partnerships between employees and employers. Evidence from other states shows that collective bargaining leads to improved workplace morale, increased retention, and enhanced service delivery to the public—outcomes that benefit us all.However, this progress will not happen without your voice and advocacy. As members of VAPBA, you are uniquely positioned to amplify the call for this transformative change.
Your support can make all the difference in securing the rights and recognition public employees deserve. Together, we can advance this critical legislation and pave the way for a brighter future for Virginia’s dedicated workforce. Please take a moment to complete our campaign.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to public service and for considering this vital call to action. Let us stand together to ensure that SB 917 becomes a reality, strengthening our Commonwealth and the lives of those who serve it.
In solidarity,
Joe Woloszyn
President, Virginia Police Benevolent Association

VA2025SB 917

Collective bargaining by public employees; exclusive bargaining representatives.

Last Action

Senate sustained Governor's veto

Senate • Apr 02, 2025

Latest Version

Enrolled

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Your Message to the legislators

Dear (name and title inserted automatically),

On behalf of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association (VAPBA), I am writing to urge your support for Senate Bill 917, which seeks to provide public employees, including law enforcement professionals, the right to collectively bargain through an exclusive bargaining representative.

This legislation is a crucial step forward for public employees across Virginia, particularly those in law enforcement, who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. SB 917 would establish a fair and transparent process to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions, ensuring that these vital public servants have the tools and support necessary to meet the increasing demands of public safety.

The benefits of passing SB 917 include:

Improving Recruitment and Retention: Competitive compensation and benefits negotiated through collective bargaining will make law enforcement positions more attractive to new recruits and help retain experienced officers.

Boosting Morale and Collaboration: Collective bargaining provides employees with a unified voice, fostering mutual respect and collaboration between employees and employers, ultimately strengthening workforce morale.

Ensuring Consistency Across Jurisdictions: Statewide bargaining rights help reduce disparities in compensation and benefits, which can hinder coordination and public safety efforts across the Commonwealth.

In addition, we ask for your continued support for robust state benefits for law enforcement officers. These benefits are critical to sustaining a resilient and dedicated workforce while acknowledging the unique physical and emotional challenges inherent in our profession.

Law enforcement professionals work tirelessly to uphold public safety, often at great personal risk. SB 917 represents an opportunity to support those who protect our communities, ensuring they have the representation and resources they need to perform their duties effectively and with dignity.

The VAPBA stands ready to partner with you to advance this important legislation. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or require further information.

Thank you for your commitment to Virginia’s public employees and for your support of SB 917.