NAACP Backs Public-Sector Collective Bargaining as Hampton Roads Mayors Push Back

Virginia NAACP supports statewide collective bargaining rights, while local leaders argue for preserving local decision-making.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The NAACP Virginia State Conference is voicing strong support for proposed legislation that would allow public-sector workers across Virginia to engage in collective bargaining, calling it a critical step toward workplace justice and equity. However, the legislation faces opposition from many local leaders in Hampton Roads, who argue that local decision-making is essential and that collective bargaining could have significant financial impacts on cities.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing debate over the balance of power between state and local governments, as well as the tensions between workers' rights and fiscal concerns for municipalities. The NAACP's support for collective bargaining rights aligns with its broader mission of promoting racial and economic justice, while the Hampton Roads mayors' opposition reflects concerns about the potential costs and loss of local control.

The details

The NAACP is urging lawmakers to pass House Bill 1263 and Senate Bill 378, which would grant statewide collective bargaining rights to public employees. The organization argues that collective bargaining leads to better outcomes for workers and communities, such as smaller class sizes, updated equipment for emergency responders, and safer staffing levels for nurses. However, the mayors of Hampton Roads have signed a joint letter to the Virginia General Assembly asking lawmakers to preserve the current system, which allows each locality to decide whether to adopt collective bargaining. The mayors argue that collective bargaining could cost cities millions of dollars, potentially forcing cuts to services or tax increases.

  • The NAACP Virginia State Conference issued its statement in support of the collective bargaining bills in early 2026.
  • The Hampton Roads mayors signed their joint letter to the Virginia General Assembly in response to the proposed legislation.

The players

NAACP Virginia State Conference

A state-level branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a civil rights organization that has historically advocated for racial and economic justice.

Bobby Dyer

The mayor of Virginia Beach, who argued that his city has reached agreements with workers without collective bargaining.

Rick West

The mayor of Chesapeake, who warned that collective bargaining could cost cities millions of dollars.

Shannon Glover

The mayor of Portsmouth, which is currently the only Hampton Roads city that has approved collective bargaining, although it has not yet implemented it.

Phillip Jones

The mayor of Newport News, who said the city is 'pro-union, pro-worker,' but opposes unfunded mandates from Richmond.

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What they’re saying

“The right to collectively bargain ensures that workers' voices are heard. It serves as a route to justice and equality in our workplaces.”

— Rev. Cozy Bailey, President, NAACP Virginia State Conference

“Collective bargaining is so important, it should not be up to the mayor, but up to workers. It's a fundamental right for teachers, firefighters, and other public employees.”

— Laquetta Mackey, President, Norfolk Federation of Teachers

What’s next

The Virginia General Assembly will continue to debate the proposed collective bargaining legislation, with the NAACP and local leaders in Hampton Roads presenting opposing views on the issue.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between workers' rights and local fiscal concerns, as well as the balance of power between state and local governments. The outcome of the legislation could have significant implications for public-sector workers and the communities they serve across Virginia.