ALEXANDRIA, Va. – More workers for the city of Alexandria filed for a union election with the city’s labor relations administrator in late July. This unit of administrative and technical workers is seeking better wages, benefits and a voice on the job by forming a union through AFSCME District Council 20.
“This is such an important day for everyone in Alexandria, not just city employees,” said 27-year veteran Teresa Smith-Ross. “We give of ourselves and make personal sacrifices to do our jobs. That’s why we must advocate for ourselves to ensure that our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed. We are here because we care for the city and each other.”
She also said this day has been years in the making: “A lot of hard work has gone into making this happen. People have been working towards this for a long time.”
In 2020, public service workers all over Virginia came together and successfully organized to overturn a 44-year-old law that banned public sector collective bargaining in the commonwealth. Then, in 2022, labor and trades employees in Alexandria voted overwhelmingly to unionize with AFSCME. Last year, that unit reached a historic first contract with the city that guaranteed raises and established a step-and-grade pay schedule, among other victories.
Emerita Valentin, a Department of Emergency and Customer Service employee, said the labor and trades contract activated support in other departments.
“I think when people saw the contract labor and trades got, they began to see how a union really changes things.” Valentin said. “We’ve been advocating for changes for years, but until you have a seat at the table, your voice can be ignored. That’s why we’re doing this. We deserve to have our voice heard.”
The administrative and technical workers will focus on winning their union election.
“It just comes down to dignity and respect. I’ve talked with countless of my co-workers and we all want that, no matter who you are,” Valentin said. “That’s why we’re going to win.”
District Council 20 Executive Director Wayne L. Enoch said, “For many years, unions in local governments were unheard of in the commonwealth of Virginia. Now, we have a movement building.”