Richmond, Va. (February 16, 2023) - Today, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) filed a petition for an election with Richmond City’s Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer to represent the Labor and Trades Bargaining Unit of Richmond City workers.

There are approximately 475 Labor and Trades workers in Richmond including workers in solid waste, grounds, roadway, street cleaning, parks and recreation, and water treatment.

In July 2022, the City of Richmond passed an ordinance that granted most city workers the right to collectively bargain. City employees’ interest in using that right has grown since 2022 primarily over pay, benefits, and long-ignored safety concerns.

“It is time to take advantage of the opportunity that we have and get union representation now,” said Andre Rodriguez, Utility Plant Specialist at Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities. “Forming a union is our only way of having a voice on the job and getting paid fairly for the hard work that we put in every day.”

LIUNA has years of experience representing workers in the Richmond area as well as workers in other parts of Virginia who work in the same industries as those in Richmond seeking representation from LIUNA. In Richmond, LIUNA has established several construction training and job placement programs for Richmond residents through its Get Richmond Working campaign.

“We believe LIUNA is best fit for the Labor and Trades workers in Richmond because we have a long history of representing workers that perform the same scope of work” said Taft Mangas, LIUNA Organizer.

###