FAQs

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What is collective bargaining, and who can benefit?

Collective bargaining (often abbreviated CB) is the ability for workers to negotiate the language of their contracts and the conditions of their employment with their employers.  These negotiations happen at predetermined intervals (every other year, every 3 years, etc.) and are done by groups of employees. CB is a good thing because workers know their jobs best! We know what changes are needed in our working conditions and we know how to improve student learning conditions. 

And who can participate? Everyone! All employees can participate in and benefit from CB.

How do we get collective bargaining?

There are two paths prescribed by state legislation: 

1) the School Board can voluntarily grant us the right, or 

2) if the School Board is not willing to voluntarily grant us the right, we need a majority of employees to sign an authorization card to “vote yes” for collective bargaining. This card does not make the employee a member of the HEA. 

If a majority of employees sign an authorization card, it forces the School Board to vote on granting this right. Due to weaknesses in our state legislation, they can still say no. But it is much harder for them to do so when an overwhelming majority of employees (those of us who do the work) stand together and say, unequivocally, that we want to negotiate our contracts.

How do we determine who actually negotiates our contracts?

As a democratic body, our union will likely follow in the footsteps of RPS and empower anyone willing and knowledgeable to lead the effort. Our union is not an outside entity or third party; it is how we pool our resources to amplify our collective voice!

As different types of employees have different needs, contracts would be negotiated by bargaining unit: for example, facilities, nutrition, support staff, teachers, etc. would negotiate and, of course, enjoy the support of the VEA and NEA along the way.

What are the HEA's priorities to negotiate for once we win collective bargaining?

Great news! Virginia's collective bargaining legislation is permissive, meaning that any topic can be negotiated. Fairness in pay scales, benefits, working conditions, staffing levels, and limits on duties would be on the table. This list is not exhaustive, but it is a starting point.

Why does the School Board continue to ignore employees' appetite for collective bargaining?

The School Board is hesitant to make big changes, and this would be a big change. Our school board relies on the Board of Supervisors to approve the budget, and they may be afraid of making a big ask. That being said, not all School Board members dismiss the employee demand for CB.  Some board members have publicly supported collective bargaining for HCPS staff!

Do I have to live in Henrico County to submit comments for School Board meetings?

No, you do not need to be a resident of Henrico County to submit comments to the Henrico County School Board. The school board meetings are open to the public and citizens can communicate with the board via email or in person during the public comment period. You can input your personal address but then select the magisterial district for your school. 

Why aren't more employees pushing for collective bargaining?

First, many are! Over 1,000 employees have signed authorization cards to "vote yes" for collective bargaining rights. 

Digging deeper, it is a combination of lack of understanding and awareness. Collective bargaining was previously outlawed in Virginia, for around four decades, but that changed in 2021. Many teachers are unaware of how this change in law can help them. 

Since HCPS is so big with over 6000 employees, coordinating efforts can be challenging. We are always looking for more building reps who can take the message to their schools and provide communication and awareness! 

What does HCPS have to lose from granting us collective bargaining rights?

Last summer, the HCPS School Board officially requested information from the Division Leadership Team, and the results of that research and supporting materials were presented to the School Board in September. Nothing in the report indicated that collective bargaining was too costly; examples were given of how other counties have dealt with and limited the cost. The only thing that HCPS “loses” is 100% control over our contract language, and that is a good thing!