(RICHMOND, VIRGINIA) – Workers in the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works, Department of Public Utilities and Department of Parks and Recreation have voted to join Teamsters Local 322.

This massive organizing victory is the first time that any Union has represented City of Richmond Workers.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this group of Virginia Public Sector Workers to the Teamsters,” Local 322 President Brian Peyton said. “These (600) Workers play a critical role in the Richmond Community - and they deserve a contract that is reflective of the important nature of their work. Local 322 looks forward to getting these hard-working Teamsters the best possible contract.”

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said: “We’ve sent a clear message in Richmond that no Worker should be denied their rights.  The Teamsters will continue to organize, fight back and rise above Anti-Union forces.  Public Sector Workers have shown they are empowered and committed to improving their livelihoods.  No matter the industry, Workers are fed up and want representation.”

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 and Trades Bargaining Unit.

“We voted to have the Teamsters represent us Workers because we wanted respect on the job and to be a part of the strongest Union Family in North America,” said Mavis Green, a Maintenance and Operations Crew Chief for the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Works. “We’re excited to have power at the bargaining table and we can’t wait to get our very first Union contract.  Richmond’s slogan is ‘One City, Our City,’ but now, we are a Teamsters City!”

Local 322 Organizing Director Dwayne Johnson said: “This organizing victory is a clear indication Workers across the Commonwealth know their worth and are determined to get a Union contract.  Richmond Public Sector Workers know that the best way to get higher wages, better benefits, and respect on the job is with a Teamster contract.  We’re pleased to welcome more than (600) Workers to Local 322 and look forward to organizing other Public Sector Workers in Virginia.”

Teamsters Local 322 is the second-largest Teamsters Local Union in Virginia and represents more than 1,600 Workers in various industries throughout Richmond, Virginia and surrounding areas.

To Directly Access This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: Richmond Public Sector Workers Vote to Join Teamsters - International Brotherhood of Teamsters