House Bill 1755 sponsored by Delegate Lee Carter would reverse labor restrictions put in place almost a quarter of a century ago by repealing the state’s right-to-work law which says employees can’t be forced to join a labor union. 

If passed, the bill could force workers in Virginia to become union members and pay union dues as a condition of their employment.

NFIB has consistently led the opposition to the repeal fearing the consequences it would have small businesses and the Commonwealth’s overall economy. NFIB’s Virginia State Director Nicole Riley stated publicly, “All of us should have to make a case on whether they want to join our organizations or join a group. It shouldn’t just be a requirement of your job that you have to.”

She also warned that any changes to Virginia’s current right-to-work laws “may cause existing employers to move facilities to surrounding states with more favorable business climates.”

NFIB also defeated a similar bill, HB 1780 by Delegate Lee Carter to allow public employees to strike and protect them from termination of employment for striking.