This Labor Day, Virginia Still the Worst State for Workers.

On Labor Day, Virginia may be the best state for business in the United States, but hardworking families in Virginia are still struggling because Virginia is the worst state to work. Virginia needs to be better and become the best state for workers too so that everyone who lives here has the opportunity to work hard and thrive. 

“People in our community need the right to come together in unions so they have the ability to negotiate with employers for fair pay, safe working conditions, and workplace protections so that they can’t get fired without just cause,” David Broder, President of SEIU Virginia 512, said. “We need to come together as Virginians to protect families and ensure that we adopt policies that make Virginia the best state for workers, not giant corporations who put profit before people.”

“While corporations and CEOs are making record profits, Virginia workers need more than meager benefits and stagnant raises in order to support our families. Everyone should be able to balance family and work obligations and thrive in our communities,” Anna Scholl, Executive Director of Progress Virginia, said. “But because conservative members of the General Assembly, led by Speaker Kirk Cox, won’t pass popular and important legislation like raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, paid sick days for employees, and paid family and medical leave, Virginia workers are being left behind. It’s unacceptable that Virginia comes in dead last in the country for workers. When we go to the polls in November it will be to support candidates who will support us.”

Background:
Source: OxFam America Best and Worst States To Work in America

–Virginia ranks 51 out of 51 overall and is the worst state to work in the country. 
–Virginia ranks 51 out of 51 for wage policies 
–Virginia ranks 48 out of 51 forer protection policies 
–Virginia ranks 49 out of 51 for the right to organize 
–The minimum wage in Virginia is $7.25 per hour. 
In order to improve Virginia’s ranking, OxFam America suggests:
–Increasing the minimum wage Legalizing project labor agreements to encourage fair pay for contract workers 
–Eliminating workplace sexual harassment by providing a route for legal action. 
–Fighting pregnancy discrimination by passing pregnancy accommodations and ensuring the right to pump at work.