Collective Bargaining
The Henrico Education Association firmly believes that winning collective bargaining is the only way to have a seat at the table when the most important decisions are made about our students, our schools, and our jobs. We must be able to fairly participate in contract negotiations as equal partners. The time unionize is now!
If you aren't at the table, you're probably on the menu.
What is collective bargaining?
Through collective bargaining, our neighbors in Richmond managed to negotiate big raises: 12% for teachers, 40% for instructional assistants, and over 60% for some nutrition workers. And that's not all: these raises are in addition to protected planning time, limits on meetings, $55/hour for extra duties and class coverage, and other benefits.
Collective Bargaining Across the Commonwealth
From Tidewater to Northern Virginia and Central to Southwest, our colleagues all across the Commonwealth are standing up and demanding collective bargaining rights!
Read more about their progress below.
Albemarle, Alexandria, Arlington, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Falls Church, Harrisonburg, Henrico, Loudoun, Lynchburg, Montgomery, Newport News, Prince William, Virginia Beach, Winchester
GREAT OUTCOMES, POOR PAY
We have two options: 1) wait for raises should our bosses choose to pay them, or 2) stand together and negotiate our salaries, benefits, job duties, working conditions, and more, as is typical in other industries and regions of the U.S.
HEA Collective Bargaining FAQ
What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process by which school employees can negotiate their wages, hours, and working conditions with the school division. Educators from the Northeast to California, from Seattle to Chicago have the right to bargain their contracts and have for decades!
Is collective bargaining legal in Virginia?
Yes! But bargaining doesn't happen automatically. We have to petition the school board to pass a resolution. We also have to win an election, and most importantly, we have to organize together so we have enough power to negotiate and win. Collective bargaining for public school employees was illegal until May of 2021.
How is a collectively bargained contract different than what we have now?
At present, HCPS contracts are about two pages long and contain a clause that allows us to be tasked with "other duties as assigned." This allows superiors virtually carte blanche to assign more work. On the other hand, a collectively bargained contract is a legally binding document that will give HEA members a say in their working conditions. For example: If the contract says that licensed teachers must get 30 minutes of uninterrupted planning time every day, teachers cannot be asked to cover others’ classes or work on anything other than planning during that time. And having a legally binding contract means the school board, school administrators, and/or supervisors cannot make unilateral changes to the terms and conditions that have been negotiated in the contract.
What can we bargain for?
Virginia's collective bargaining law is permissive, meaning virtually anything can be negotiated, including higher wages, uninterrupted prep time, better benefits, and smaller class sizes. However, Virginia remains a right-to-work state and striking remains illegal.
What are the steps to unionizing and winning this campaign?
Join HEA and get involved: We need your voice and the support of every Henrico County Public School employee to succeed. We speak for all!
How do I know if I am an HEA Member?
You can contact us to find out if you are a member.
How do I become a member?
Click here to fill out the membership form!
Sign your authorization card
Why? We have to collect signed cards from a majority of workers, which proves to the school board that a majority of employees want the right to negotiate their contracts. As of March 2024, over 1,000 employees had already signed!
Petition the school board
Why? We have to lobby the school board to prove that the majority of employees support the right to bargain their contracts. Authorization cards provide quantitative evidence, while public comment offers further qualitative evidence.
Vote Union Yes!
Why? Once the school board grants collective bargaining rights (via a resolution), we then have to hold an election. Employees must vote to allow one union to represent them in negotiations. The HEA is best positioned to represent HCPS employees' interests.
