House of Delegates passes Right to Work constitutional amendment

The Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation Tuesday to enshrine Virginia’s Right to Work law in the Constitution.

The constitutional amendment, carried by Delegate Dickie Bell (R-Staunton), prohibits union membership as a condition of employment. Virginia already has a right to work statute, but including right to work in the Constitution solidifies this important pro-business policy. The amendment, if approved by the Senate, will go to the voters for final approval.

“Virginia’s right to work law makes it clear that the Commonwealth is a welcoming and pro-business state. Enshrining our right to work law in the Constitution strengthens Virginia’s commitment to this policy,” said Delegate Bell. “This amendment will also further protect hard working Virginians from forced unionization. Across the country, major manufacturing and traditionally-blue states are adopting right to work laws, a sign that this issue bridges partisan divides. Virginia has long taken pride in its status as a right to work state and it’s time we enshrine this law in our Constitution.”

“Earlier today, I stood with many of my House colleagues to outline our agenda to strengthen the economy. Enshrining Virginia’s right to work law in the Constitution is an important part of that agenda,” said Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “Major manufacturing companies and job creators are looking for the labor certainty that this constitutional amendment will provide. Solidifying our right to work law in the Constitution will be a clear signal that Virginia is open for business. I want to thank Delegate Bell for his consistent and vocal leadership on this very important issue.”