Virginia Beach City Council discusses collective bargaining [Video]

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach public sector employees packed city hall Tuesday evening, demanding a collective bargaining contract. City employees and advocates say the decision is long overdue, but some taxpayers say they’re worried about the proposal. 

City Council members heard comments from both sides. While those in favor say collective bargaining improves worker morale and public safety, those opposed say it takes power away from taxpayers. 

Collective bargaining was legalized in the Commonwealth in 2020. If adopted, 7,500 city employees in 35 departments could unionize to negotiate wages, working conditions, benefits and more. 

A letter from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2924 to the City Council requesting collective bargaining triggered a 120-day clock for a vote. City Council must vote to either adopt or reject the measure within that time frame.  

“This is something that we …