Posts tagged Newport News
Op-ed: Local control in jeopardy if Virginia mandates collective bargaining
March 29, 2026 // Virginia used to prohibit collective bargaining for state and local employees. In 2021, Democrats changed the law to allow local governments to engage in collective bargaining. Fewer than 20 jurisdictions have chosen to do so, and it hasn’t gone well where it’s been tried. That’s why unions made this bill their top priority during the legislative session. It requires collective bargaining for wages, benefits and working conditions for state and local government employees.
Hampton Roads mayors want Virginia localities to keep control over collective bargaining
February 4, 2026 // Bills moving through committees in the General Assembly, however, would remove that power from localities. If signed into law, Virginia would create a state-level public employee relations board to oversee the process and arbitrate disputes. The bills could shrink Virginia’s public-sector pay gap, which is among the largest in the U.S., according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Economic Policy Institute; public employees in Virginia make more than 25% less than private-sector workers with similar schooling and backgrounds. The EPI’s report, published in January, found closing the pay gap could also lead to better public services, less turnover and improved racial and gender pay gaps.
What Do Lowe’s and Mercana Have in Common?
February 26, 2022 // Lowe’s and Mercana are both adding new locations soon in Right to Work Virginia! Lowes is adding a new distribution center in Roanoke County. Meanwhile, Mercana is adding a new location in Newport News! Read on so you can learn more about each investment!
Newport News shipyard union to keep working after rejecting offer, but begins preparing for strike
November 21, 2021 // Local 8888 members last week rejected a tentative contract agreement by a 1312-684 vote. The rejected deal had a 60-month term, with annual pay increases, a $2,500 bonus and improvements to pension plans.