Arlington County, VA Local 2800 is formally requesting that Arlington County Manager, Mark Schwartz allow Local 2800 to be recognized as the exclusive bargaining unit for the county’s fire and EMS personnel.
“This is an historic time for Arlington,” said Arlington County, VA Local 2800 President, Brian Lynch, adding “Until the new collective bargaining law was passed, Virginia firefighters were denied a seat at the table, on critical safety issues for firefighters and the community. Soon, we will be able to officially negotiate on these issues critically important to us.”
Virginia’s new collective bargaining law
As outlined by Virginia’s new collective bargaining law, effective May 21, 2021, the Arlington County Board members voted on July 17 in favor of an ordinance to allow collective bargaining for the county’s employees, including firefighters.
Now, it is up to each union to gain approval to be the bargaining agent for their specific groups of employees.
Arlington County, VA Local 2800
Arlington County, VA Local 2800 provided a comprehensive list of individuals
Arlington County, VA Local 2800 had to first show ‘administratively acceptable evidence’ that the county’s firefighters and emergency service personnel want the local to represent them, during the collective bargaining process.
Accordingly, Arlington County, VA Local 2800 provided a comprehensive list of individuals, who have certified the organization, to withdraw monthly membership fees from paychecks with the county.
Exclusive collective bargaining unit
Brian Lynch adds, “This list clearly shows that we have the backing of the overwhelming majority of the bargaining unit members. Collective bargaining is important to us, and we are ready to get started.”
Next, the Arlington County Manager must give clearance for an election to take place, for the county’s firefighters and emergency service personnel to vote for or against allowing Arlington County, VA Local 2800 to be their sole barraging unit.
On July 19, 2021 Arlington County, VA Local 2800 formally requested that the County Manager take that step. Once approved, Arlington County, VA Local 2800 will be able to bargain for a contract with the county.