(RICHMOND, VIRGINIA) – Workers employed in the Custodial and Plant Services Department in Richmond, Virginia’s Public Schools have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 322.

Prior to May 2021, Public Sector Workers in the Commonwealth of Virginia were not able to collectively bargain.

In February 2023, Local 322 filed a petition with the Richmond City Labor Administrator to initiate an election for the Labor & Trades Bargaining Unit.

This election is the first of many to come for Public Sector Workers in Virginia.

“I voted the join the Teamsters because I wanted a voice on the job, fair compensation and strong representation,” said Lawrence Pope, a Custodian employed by Richmond Public Schools. “The Teamsters are the best fit to represent Richmond Public Schools Workers - and I am thrilled my colleagues agreed and voted to join the Union.  I am excited to officially be a Teamster.”

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said: “History has been made in Virginia.  Public Sector Workers play an instrumental role in keeping communities like Richmond safe, clean and running seamlessly - and for that, they deserve a strong Union contract.  On behalf of the (1.2 million) Teamster Members across the U.S., we are honored to have been chosen by our new Members to represent the first group of organized Virginia Public Sector Workers.”

Teamsters Local 322 President Brian Peyton said: “For the first time in history, Public Sector Workers in Virginia are eligible to join a Union and these Richmond Public Schools Workers chose to join the strongest Union in North America.  We’re thrilled to welcome the first cohort of Virginia Public Sector Workers to the Teamsters and cannot wait to organize more.  We look forward to getting these hard-working men and women their very first Teamster contract.”

Teamsters Local 322 Organizing Director Dwayne Johnson said: “For the last several months, our team has been on the ground talking with hundreds of Richmond City Workers about how to improve their lives.  These Richmond Public Schools Workers have since decided a Teamster contract is the best way to ensure higher wages, better benefits and respect on the job.  We couldn’t be more excited to welcome more than (200) new Members to Local (322).”

Teamsters Local 322 represents more than 1,600 workers in the State of Virginia.

To Directly Access This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: https://teamster.org/2023/05/richmond-public-sector-workers-vote-teamsters-in-historic-union-election/