In March, the General Assembly passed landmark legislation allowing Virginia's fire fighters and other public-sector workers to collectively bargain. Private sector workers across the Commonwealth have long enjoyed this right, but Virginia's fire fighters had been denied the right to engage in discussions about their own jobs and the safety of the communities they serve.  Nationwide data clearly show that when fire fighters can participate in the decision-making process, their communities see lower death rates per fire and the fire fighters themselves receive safer working conditions and more dignified wages. 

Sadly, this historic progress may disappear before it even starts unless Governor Spanberger signs HB 1263/SB 378 into law. In passing this legislation, the General Assembly has sent a clear message that they stand in solidarity with fire fighters and all other public-sector workers across the Commonwealth. It is critical that Governor Spanberger sign the legislation into law and empower Virginia's fire fighters to begin bargaining collectively as soon as possible. 

Please urge the Governor to sign into law HB 1263/SB 378 as passed by the General Assembly.