ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Administrative and technical workers for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, voted overwhelmingly at the end of December in favor of unionizing with AFSCME District Council 20. The historic vote ensures these essential workers have a collective voice on critical workplace issues such as wages, benefits and working conditions.
“This is an incredible day for all city employees in Alexandria,” said Annette Bridges, an administrative support worker for the city. “We work hard every day to keep this city running, and now we’ll have a real voice in decisions that impact our jobs and our lives. This victory is about dignity, respect and fairness for everyone.”
The successful unionization comes after years of organizing and advocacy by city workers determined to create positive change in their workplace. This continues Alexandria’s growing union movement, following the successful unionization of labor and trades employees in 2022, who later secured a historic first contract with the city.
Bridges also highlighted the significance of this victory.
“When we saw the changes the labor and trades workers achieved through their union contract, we knew we could do it too. Today, we’ve proven that when workers stand together, we can win real change.”
In 2020, public service workers across Virginia overturned a 44-year-old law banning public sector collective bargaining. Since then, Alexandria has been at the forefront of this movement, with workers leading the way in building a stronger, more equitable workplace.
Wayne L. Enoch, executive director of AFSCME District Council 20, praised the workers’ determination and resolve.
“For too long, public employees in Virginia were denied the basic right to collectively bargain,” he said. “Today’s victory by Alexandria’s administrative and technical workers shows what’s possible when workers stand together. We are proud to welcome them into the AFSCME family and look forward to negotiating a strong first contract that reflects their dedication and hard work.”
With this vote, Alexandria’s administrative and technical workers will now prepare to negotiate their first union contract, focusing on fair wages, improved benefits and a more transparent workplace.