Alexandria City Council Commits Funding for Third Collective Bargaining Agreement  

Page updated on November 14, 2023 at 6:50 PM
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Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution confirming its intention to fund the recently ratified collective bargaining agreement between the City of Alexandria and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 20, Local 3001. 

“For more than a year, we’ve worked with our employee unions to reach agreements that provide an efficient and effective structure for resolution of benefits and workplace matters,” Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said. “We are excited to sign today’s deal that covers more than 200 employees in six departments — all of whom now have direct representation to amplify their voices and collectively address concerns.” 

The Labor and Trades collective bargaining agreement is estimated to cost $3.2 million over its three-year term, Fiscal Year 2025 through 2027. This cost includes $2.5 million in base wage increases, $0.1 million for increases in standby pay, $0.3 million for a one-time bonus at the beginning of the contract period on July 1, 2024, and $0.2 million for tool and boot allowances.  

“This is another great moment for the City and our employees,” City Manager James Parajon said. “The collaboration throughout negotiations, the focus from both sides of the table on what is best for our employees, shows the level of importance this deal has on our workforce. We are proud to have reached this point.”  

The Labor and Trades agreement makes significant investment in employee pay including a one-time bonus of $1,000 net for each bargaining unit employee in the first year. The agreement also continues the City’s employee benefits coverage and establishes a Benefits Committee which will review employee benefits and make recommendations on cost containment measures. 

“The AFSCME union bargaining committee had high expectations of what we could accomplish for the employees. We didn’t procure all the items we wanted, but this is a great start,” said Harlie White, Alexandria Chapter Chair, AFSCME, Local 3001. “We look forward to a cordial and amicable relationship as we learn together; union members and city management, on how to coexist and make every interaction a positive one.” 

For Labor and Trades employees, the agreement provides:  

  • Competitive, market-rate salary increases.  
  • Pathway to mutual partnership and collaboration.  
  • Assurance of ongoing investments in City facilities and safety initiatives.  
  • Continued access to the City’s benefits package.  

Alexandria was the first locality in Virginia to authorize collective bargaining under state legislation that became effective in March 2021. The City reached its first historic deal last November when Council voted unanimously to approve funding for a deal reached with the Police Benevolent Association, Alexandria Chapter, followed by a second agreement in January reached with International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2141.  

Video of the legislative meeting will be available at alexandriava.gov/Dockets. Photos and video of the ceremonial signing are available upon request.  

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.