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One to Keep An Eye On: HB 1806 (Virginia)


As with many employment and labor law related cases (and bills) being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.  This is one to keep an eye on.


Recently, HB 1806 was filed in Virginia's House of Delegates by Democratic Delegate Lee Carter, that seeks to repeal the state's right to work law.  The law, in place since 1947, stipulates that workers in the state may not be forced to join a labor union or pay union membership dues as a condition of employment.  Up until a few years ago, the state's right to work law was viewed as relatively "safe" and was not under fire.  However, in recent years, Democrats in the state have started to lean further left and have made repealing the right to work law more of a talking point in their caucus.

Delegate Carter previously campaigned on a pledge to introduce legislation to do away with Virginia's right to work law.  The filing of HB 1806 is the first step in accomplishing that goal.

I do call attention to a particular portion of HB 1806, however.  Not only does this legislation seek do repeal the state's right to work law, but it also provides that workers in the state would be required to join a union or pay membership dues.  I would call this proposed legislation quite progressive to say the least.  However, with a Senate and House of Delegates that remain in majority (albeit a slight majority) control by Republicans, I would not expect HB 1806 to advance very far...short of several Republicans crossing the aisle and supporting this legislation.



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