Alexandria’s professional employees have officially voted to unionize.
On Tuesday, the city’s professional employees voted 155-1 in favor of unionizing with AFSCME Council 20, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. With significant support, the vote “marks 5 of 5 eligible Alexandria bargaining units to file and win their union representation elections since 2021,” according to a release from AFSCME Council 20.
“It’s long overdue to have a real voice in how we do our vital work for the residents of Alexandria,” Steve Frutos, a senior therapist in the city’s Department of Community and Human Services, said in the release. “Our ultimate goal is to create a more effective workplace in order to do our best for them. The more we can achieve as a union, the more our city stands to gain.”
The workers are seeking their first-ever collective bargaining agreement approval, as the city looks to renew its agreements with unions representing the Alexandria’s police and fire departments, in addition to adopting its first-ever agreement with administrative and technical employees. In January, City Council committed funding for three agreements.
The recent vote allows the employees to negotiate their first union contract, “focusing on fair wages, improved benefits, and a more transparent workplace,” AFSCME said.
City Manager Jim Parajon told ALXnow that formal certification of the election outcome by the city’s labor relations administrator is anticipated for on or about March 11.
“Our workforce is essential to delivering high-quality services to the community, and we support efforts that promote fair, equitable, and consistent workplace conditions for the professionals who serve our residents every day,” Parajon said. “This marks the organization of the fifth bargaining unit recognized under the City’s collective bargaining ordinance. The City remains committed to that framework and to engaging constructively as the process moves forward.”
