Posts tagged Norfolk
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.
Union Pacific, Norfolk submit papers for regulatory review of $85 billion merger
December 23, 2025 // The proposed merger, which allows for faster shipping by cutting handoffs and delays, has faced criticism from unions, lawmakers, and rival railroads since its announcement. “As time and technology continue to transform how freight is delivered, our industry must keep pace and move forward, reaching underserved markets with new rail solutions and strengthening the U.S. supply chain,” Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said in a statement on Friday.
South Hampton Roads mayors form regional coalition against collective bargaining
February 18, 2025 // Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said he’s recruiting mayors in South Hampton Roads and plans to reach out to mayors on Peninsula to form a group and hold meetings “to fend off collective bargaining because of the incredible cost.” “They’re (state lawmakers) trying to impose collective bargaining on every city, and making sure the city has no choice,” said Dyer in an interview.
Costco’s unionized workers vote to authorize a strike
January 20, 2025 // Costco workers affiliated with the Teamsters union have voted in favor of going on strike. The strike will start if no deal is reached by the January 31 deadline. Teamsters president Sean O'Brien has pledged to win "the strongest contract in Costco's history."
Dockworkers to resume contract negotiations as strike threat looms
January 4, 2025 // The big sticking point holding up a deal is automation. The union wants to hold it back and stop the installation of more semi-automated cranes at the ports. (Two ports, in Norfolk, Virginia, and Bayonne, New Jersey, already use the technology.) The group representing port employers, the United States Maritime Alliance, wants to advance its use of technology.