Hampton Roads Mayors Oppose Public Sector Union Rights

Teamsters Local 822 leader Paul Trujillo argues workers shouldn't have to wait for dignity and the right to organize.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a guest column, Paul Trujillo of Teamsters Local 822 criticizes a letter from seven Hampton Roads mayors opposing legislation that would allow public sector workers to decide for themselves whether to organize. Trujillo argues the mayors are trying to preserve their own power by denying workers the right to unionize, and that this is part of a long history of denying economic rights to workers, especially Black workers. He says workers should not have to wait any longer for the dignity and rights that should never have been conditional in the first place.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between local government leaders who want to maintain control over their workforce, and workers' demands for the right to organize and collectively bargain. It also connects to a broader history of denying economic rights to marginalized workers, particularly Black workers, in the name of preserving business interests and political power.

The details

The article criticizes a letter from seven Hampton Roads mayors opposing legislation that would allow public sector workers to decide for themselves whether to organize. The mayors argued this would undermine their authority, but Trujillo says the real issue is that the mayors want to preserve their own power by denying workers the right to unionize. He argues this is part of a long history of denying economic rights to workers, especially Black workers, in the name of preserving business interests.

  • In May 2021, Virginia took a small step by allowing some public-sector workers a limited voice in their workplaces.
  • This year's proposed legislation aims to establish a consistent statewide framework for public sector union rights, rather than leaving it up to individual cities.

The players

Paul Trujillo

A 20-year union worker and communications director of Teamsters Local 822 in Norfolk.

Seven Hampton Roads Mayors

A group of local government leaders who wrote a letter opposing legislation that would give public sector workers the right to organize.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They told working people to wait. They asked workers to wait for a voice, for dignity and for rights that should never have been conditional in the first place.”

— Paul Trujillo, Communications Director, Teamsters Local 822 (pilotonline.com)

“What they fear most is not unions. It is choice.”

— Paul Trujillo, Communications Director, Teamsters Local 822 (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The proposed legislation to establish a consistent statewide framework for public sector union rights is expected to be debated and voted on by the Virginia legislature in the coming months.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing struggle for economic rights and dignity for public sector workers, which has deep historical roots in the fight for civil rights and racial justice. The mayors' opposition to worker organizing reflects a desire to maintain political and managerial control, rather than trusting workers to make decisions about their own lives and workplaces.