SB 426
, which would
require employees to pay a “fair share” of union dues as a condition of employment at union shops, has been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee this upcoming Monday, February 3. The Roanoke Regional Chamber stands strongly opposed to this bill and urges you to contact your Senator serving on this committee immediately to register your concerns with this legislation.
Draft language is included below, and we would encourage you to tailor it to your personal voice. Please contact Vice President of Public Policy Terry Durkin at tdurkin@roanokechamber.org if you have any questions, comments, or would like to testify in Richmond against this bill.
Dear Senator_____,
I write to you to respectfully request that you oppose Senate Bill 426, a policy that would repeal or otherwise alter Virginia’s current status as a “Right to Work” state. This is an issue of great regional importance and I hope you will carefully consider the impact this bill may have on our area’s businesses and employees.
Our status as a Right to Work state is a key factor in Virginia’s ranking as the #1 state in the nation to do business. Any weakening of our current Right to Work law would certainly place that rating in doubt and make it harder to attract investment into our local economy. Right to Work does not prohibit labor unions or prevent employee membership in them, but rather protects employees from being compelled to pay union dues or join a union as a condition of employment. SB 426 would require employees to pay a “fair share” of union dues as a condition of employment at union shops.
With our area competing with regional counterparts in West Virginia and North Carolina—both Right to Work states—it is of the utmost importance that Virginia does not create an environment that stifles economic growth and investment in our region.
I appreciate your consideration of this important issue, and I hope you will
oppose SB 426
and any other effort to weaken Virginia’s status as a Right to Work state.
Sincerely,
Your Name (First, Last)
Your Home Address
The following Virginia senators represent the broader Roanoke region on the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. Please use the link below to find the Senator who specifically represents not only your home, but also your business. Your correspondence will be given more serious consideration if you are a constituent of whom you contact.
Senator John Edwards
(804) 698-7521
District21@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Steve Newman
(804) 698-7523
District23@senate.virginia.gov
