Aila Boyd
The Craig County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution March 19 opposing proposed state legislation that would mandate collective bargaining for local governments.
The resolution targets House Bill 1263 and Senate Bill 378, which would establish a statewide framework for collective bargaining and eliminate the current local option that allows governing bodies to decide whether to engage in such agreements.
Supervisors said the proposed legislation would shift decision-making authority away from local officials and impose new administrative and financial burdens on counties. The resolution states that local governments are better positioned to make workforce and labor decisions based on their individual fiscal capacity, staffing needs and service priorities.
Board members also raised concerns about the potential impact on county budgets, noting that mandatory collective bargaining could require additional spending on administrative structures and dispute resolution processes without dedicated state funding. The measure warns of increased costs, legal risks and uncertainty tied to arbitration and expanded negotiation requirements.
The resolution further emphasizes that localities must maintain balanced budgets while continuing to fund essential services such as public safety, education and infrastructure.
By adopting the resolution, the board formally expressed its opposition to the legislation and urged the governor and members of the Virginia General Assembly to preserve local control over labor relations policies.
The resolution also directs the clerk of the board to transmit the county’s position to state officials.
The measure, identified as Resolution R26-25, was approved following a motion by Supervisor Jordan Labiosa and a second by Supervisor Carl Bailey. Board Chair Jesse Spence called for the vote.