Virginia 2024 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB623

Introduced
1/10/24  
Refer
1/10/24  

Caption

Firefighters and emergency medical services; collective bargaining by providers.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts state laws related to labor relations and public employment. By embedding the right to collective bargaining into the law for specific emergency service providers, SB623 aims to enhance the working conditions and rights of these essential workers. Additionally, the bill outlines processes for the election of employee representatives and enforces good faith negotiations, thereby aiming to promote equitable labor practices within public sectors. Moreover, it establishes the Fire Service Cooperation Board, tasked with overseeing compliance and adjudicating disputes related to collective bargaining agreements.

Summary

SB623 addresses the rights of firefighters and emergency medical services providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding collective bargaining. The bill establishes provisions that allow these public employees to engage in collective bargaining for their terms of employment, including discussions on compensation, working conditions, and benefits. It seeks to formalize the mechanisms through which these employees can organize, negotiate, and ultimately resolve disputes with their employers, providing legal recognition of labor organizations representing them.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB623 appeared to be generally supportive among public safety advocates, labor organizations, and those who champion workers' rights. Proponents argue that collective bargaining rights for firefighters and emergency medical services personnel are a long-overdue recognition of their contributions and sacrifices. However, there remains some contention from those who may view collective bargaining as an additional bureaucratic burden on local governments or who might have concerns regarding the financial implications for state and local budgets.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential implications of collective bargaining on budgetary constraints faced by local governments and the need for timely negotiations that do not interfere with public safety operations. Some stakeholders question the impact of this bill on overall public service efficiency and service delivery. The establishment of mechanisms for resolving disputes, including arbitration processes, also brings legal intricacies that could lead to further debates among public employers and employee groups about the extent of management's discretion versus workers' rights.

Companion Bills

VA HB1284

Similar To Firefighters and emergency medical services; collective bargaining by providers, definitions.

Previously Filed As

VA HB1522

Income tax, state; subtractions for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel.

VA SB860

Fort Monroe Authority; powers and duties, collection of fees for goods and services.

VA HB2256

Fort Monroe Authority; powers and duties, collection of fees for goods and services.

VA HB2195

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA SB1470

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA HB2293

Emergency Services and Disaster Law; emergency orders and regulations, limitations, civil penalty.

VA HB1750

Cannabis control; establishes framework for creation of retail marijuana market.

VA SB462

Video gaming terminals (VGTs); regulation, penalties.

VA SB391

Cannabis control; retail market.

VA SB1143

Charitable gaming and historical horse racing; regulation.

Similar Bills

VA SB623

Firefighters and emergency medical services; collective bargaining by providers.

VA HB1284

Firefighters and emergency medical services; collective bargaining by providers, definitions.

VA HB1284

Firefighters and emergency medical services; collective bargaining by providers, definitions.

VA HB2495

Firefighters and emergency medical services providers; collective bargaining.

VA SB1401

Firefighters and emergency medical services providers; collective bargaining.

VA HB1196

Workers' compensation; domestic service employees.

VA HB2322

Workers' compensation; post-traumatic stress disorder, etc., incurred by law-enforcement officers.

VA SB904

Workers' compensation; anxiety disorder or depressive disorder incurred by law-enforcement officers.