COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Richmond, Va., City Code ch. 2, art. VI, div. 6

in effect

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1680 Statement of policy.

Sec. 2-1680. - Statement of policy. (a) It is the public policy of the City of Richmond and the purpose of this division to promote orderly and constructive relationships between the City and its employees subject, however, to the supreme right of the citizens of the City that their government provides for their health, safety, welfare, and the uninterrupted operations and functions of government. Because unresolved disputes between the City and its employees are detrimental to the public and to City employees, adequate means must be established for their speedy and effective resolution. Within the limitations required by the greater public interest, and recognizing that amicable relationships are required between the City and its employees, the City Council has determined that the overall policies set forth here may best be accomplished by: (1) Granting to City employees the right to organize and choose freely their collective bargaining representatives; (2) Permitting the City to negotiate and bargain in good faith with employee organizations representing City employees and to enter into written agreements evidencing the result of such bargaining; and (3) Establishing procedures to provide for the protection of the rights of the City, City employees and the public at large. (b) The Council establishes this policy with the intent that City employees enjoy the right to bargain collectively within parameters that promote a government that provides ethical, effective and efficient services that are responsive to the community and focused on improving quality of life through the services of well-qualified staff who value and work to actively promote policies: (1) To achieve and maintain diversity, equity and inclusion in City government; and (2) To advance all things reasonably necessary to achieve organizational excellence, while at all times elevating principles of cooperation, ethics, honesty, initiative, and learning. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.1; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1681 Definitions.

Sec. 2-1681. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Administrative employee means an employee whose primary duty is the performance of office or non-manual work directly related to or in furtherance of the management or general business operations and services of the City. Arbitration means the procedure by which the City and an exclusive bargaining representative when involved in a labor-management dispute, as defined in this section, submit their differences to a third party for a final and binding decision subject to the provisions of this division. Benefits, for the purpose of this division, means all forms of non-wage compensation, leave (including paid and unpaid, vacation, and holidays), insurance (including contributions and levels of coverage), general supplemental retirement plans, and police and fire retirement plans presently made available under City authority. City means the City of Richmond acting through the Chief Administrative Officer or the Chief Administrative Officer's designee. Collective bargaining means to perform the mutual obligation of the City, by its representatives, and the exclusive bargaining representative of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit to meet and negotiate in good faith at reasonable times and places regarding wages and benefits, as the term "benefits" is defined, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment, including procedures to resolve employee grievances with the good faith intention of reaching an agreement of no shorter duration than three years and remaining in effect until superseded by a new agreement. Collective bargaining agreement means the written legal contract between the City and an exclusive bargaining agent representing the employees in a bargaining unit authorized by this division and resulting from collective bargaining as defined in this section. Confidential employee means any employee who works: (1) Directly for a member of the City Council; (2) For the Mayor; (3) In the Office of the City Assessor, the Office of the City Attorney, the Office of the City Auditor, the Office of the City Clerk, the Office of the Council Chief of Staff, or the Office of the Inspector General; (4) In the Department of Human Resources or any other department in which the employee directly assists and acts in a confidential capacity to persons who formulate, determine, and effectuate management policies in the field of labor relations; or (5) In the Department of Budget and Strategic Planning; Employee means any employee of the City, except it does not include anyone who is: (1) An employee of the courts or of any officer elected pursuant to Va. Const. Art. VII, § 4; (2) A confidential employee, as defined in this section; (3) A managerial employee, as defined in this section; (4) A supervisor, as defined in this section; (5) A temporary or seasonal employee, as defined in this section; (6) An intern or volunteer; (7) A member of a board or commission, or other appointee of any public body as defined by Virginia law who is not otherwise an employee of the City; or (8) An attorney whose responsibilities include providing legal advice to the City or performing legal research for the City as a client. Employee organization means an organization in which employees participate, and that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of representing employees in collective bargaining concerning labor disputes, wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. Exclusive bargaining representative, exclusive bargaining agent, and bargaining agent mean the employee organization recognized by the City as the only organization to bargain collectively for all employees in a bargaining unit. Impasse means the failure of the City and an exclusive bargaining representative to agree upon the terms of a first or successor collective bargaining agreement in the course of collective bargaining negotiations. Labor-management dispute means an action challenged as a prohibited practice under this division; a dispute as to the negotiability of subject matters; and question of eligibility of disputes for resolution by mediation or impasse arbitration. The term "labor-management dispute" shall not mean disciplinary or other adverse personnel actions within the meaning of Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1507(A)(1), as implemented by a grievance filed pursuant to a negotiated grievance procedure. Lockout means any action taken by the City intended to interrupt or prevent the continuity of work properly and usually performed by employees for the purpose of coercing or intimidating employees in the exercise of their rights conferred by this division, or influencing their exclusive bargaining agents' positions in collective bargaining contract negotiations. Managerial employee means any individual who: (1) Has responsibility for a unit or sub-unit of a division of an agency or department; (2) Participates in the formulation of policy; (3) Is significantly engaged in executive or management functions; (4) Is charged with the responsibility of directing the implementation of management policies, procedures or practices; or (5) Is involved in administration of collective bargaining agreements or human resources or personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, staffing, reductions-in-force or layoffs, reorganizations, hiring, discipline, evaluations, pay, assignments, transfers, promotions or demotions. Mediation means an effort by a neutral, third-party chosen under the terms of this division to assist confidentially in resolving an impasse, as defined in this section, arising in the course of collective bargaining between the City and the exclusive bargaining agent of a bargaining unit, or the first step prior to arbitration of a labor-management dispute other than a prohibited practice claim or charge. Professional employee means an employee exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act definition of a professional employee. Seasonal employee means an employee who is hired into a position for which the customary annual employment is three months or less and for which the period of employment begins each calendar year in approximately the same part of the year, such as summer or winter, for reasons related to work demands that arise during those parts of the year. Supervisor means any individual who customarily and regularly devotes a majority of work time to supervision of two or more employees and has authority to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, demote, discharge, assign, evaluate, reward or discipline other employees, or adjust grievances, or effectively to recommend any such actions. With respect to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the term "supervisor" includes all personnel at the rank of battalion chief or above. With respect to the Department of Police, the term "supervisor" includes all personnel at the rank of captain or above. Strike means any strike or willful refusal to perform the duties of an employee's employment that would be deemed to terminate that employee's employment pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 40.1-55. Technical employee means an individual whose work requires a combination of basic scientific or technical knowledge and manual skill that can be obtained through specialized postsecondary school education or through equivalent on-the-job training. Temporary employee means an individual who is employed by the City for not more than 150 consecutive days. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.2; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022; Ord. No. 2023-075, § 2, 5-8-2023)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1682 Employee rights.

Sec. 2-1682. - Employee rights. (a) Employees shall have the right to organize, form, join, assist, and pay dues or contributions to employee organizations, to bargain collectively through an exclusive bargaining representative of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid and protection insofar as such activity is not inconsistent with this division or prohibited by any other applicable law. Employees shall also have the right to refrain from any or all such activities. (b) A collective bargaining agreement provision that violates the rights of employees set forth in this section shall be void. A collective bargaining agreement provision that establishes a time period for the exercise of an employee right set forth in this section shall not violate this section. The City and each employee organization will refrain from any intimidation, coercion, or harassment of employees who choose to exercise their rights under this division. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.3; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1683 City's rights and authority.

Sec. 2-1683. - City's rights and authority. (a) This division shall not be deemed in any way to limit or diminish the authority of the City to manage and direct the operations and activities of the City to the fullest extent authorized and permitted by law. Thus, unless the City elects to bargain regarding the following matters, the City retains exclusive rights: (1) To determine the type and scope of work to be performed by City employees and the manner in which services are to be provided; (2) To direct the work of employees; (3) To hire and classify all employees in accordance with applicable law; to promote, transfer, assign, and schedule all employees, except that the procedures related to such decisions shall be negotiable; and to suspend, demote, discharge, or take other disciplinary action against employees for just cause in accordance with applicable law and regulations, except that procedures to challenge such decisions shall be negotiable to the extent consistent with state law; (4) To relieve employees from duties by layoff or other reduction-in-force due to lack of work, budget limitations, changed working conditions or requirements or for other reasons in the City's reasonable business judgment and not prohibited by law, except that the implementation procedures to be followed, notice, and alternatives to layoff shall be negotiable; (5) To contract for, expand, reduce, sell, transfer, convey, or eliminate particular operations or services of general government, as well as any department, office, or part thereof; except that the alternatives to contracting and impact on employees shall be negotiable; and (6) To establish and change standards of behavior or performance, job qualifications, and job descriptions, except that the impact of any changes on employees and performance evaluation procedures will be negotiable. (b) The City retains the right to take whatever actions may be necessary to carry out the City's mission during emergencies. If a collective bargaining agreement includes procedures for how the City and its employees will respond to a specific type of emergency situation, then the terms of such agreement shall govern the response to that specific emergency. Otherwise, the City shall meet with the exclusive bargaining representative at the earliest practical time following actions taken in response to an emergency to discuss the effects of such emergency actions on bargaining unit employees as they pertain to matters within the scope of bargaining under this division and to bargain in good faith over any supplemental collective bargaining agreements that are proposed to address the effects of such emergency actions. (c) In accordance with Code of Virginia, § 40.1-57.2 and other applicable law, nothing in this division, any provision of this division, or the terms of any collective bargaining agreement shall impair or restrict the authority of the City Council to establish its budget and appropriate funds in its discretion. Any collective bargaining agreement reached under this division shall be subject to the appropriation of funds by the City Council. (d) The City shall not negotiate as to: (1) Matters controlled or preempted by any Federal or State constitutional provision, law, rule or regulation; (2) Any provision relating to the composition, duties, or powers of any civilian review board applicable to police officers; (3) Any previously rendered decision of any civilian review board applicable to police officers or of the Personnel Board; or (4) Any decision to retain the City's existing retirement plans as set forth in Chapter 22 or to replace any or all of such plans with the retirement plan of the Virginia Retirement System. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.4; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1684 Employee activity on official work time; use of City communication systems.

Sec. 2-1684. - Employee activity on official work time; use of City communication systems. (a) Employees shall have the right to hold informal conversations and interactions with one another to discuss workplace and employee organization issues while on duty, provided that such conversations do not interfere with the employee's job duties. (b) In the absence of a collective bargaining agreement or a provision in such an agreement governing employee labor relations activity on official time, any employee representing an employee organization that has been recognized as an exclusive bargaining agent in the negotiation of an agreement under this division shall be authorized official time in amounts reasonable for such purposes, including attendance at impasse resolution proceedings. (c) Employees are not prohibited from, and shall not be penalized or retaliated against for, using City electronic mail, telephone, facsimile transmission, bulletin board, or other communication systems owned by the City to discuss employee organization business or activities or employee organizing activities; however, the City remains the owner of such communication systems, and no employee shall have any expectation of privacy in the use of such a communication system. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.5; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1685 Bargaining units.

Sec. 2-1685. - Bargaining units. The City shall recognize only the following bargaining units for the purposes of collective bargaining: (1) Police. The police employees' bargaining unit shall consist of all sworn employees of the Department of Police. (2) Fire and emergency services. The fire and emergency services employees' bargaining unit shall consist of the uniformed employees, including fire marshals, of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the employees of the Department of Emergency Communications. (3) Labor and trades. The labor and trades employees' bargaining unit shall consist of eligible classes of employees associated with maintenance and skilled crafts, i.e., job classes of workers performing duties that result directly in the comfort and convenience of the general public, or contribute to the maintenance of capital assets, land and infrastructure of the City. (4) Professional. The professional employees' bargaining unit shall consist of nonsupervisory and non-managerial employees within the definition of "professional employee" as set forth in Section 2-1681. (5) Administrative and technical. The administrative and technical employees' bargaining unit shall consist of non-supervisory and non-managerial employees who are administrative employees or technical employees or who perform office support work and who are not confidential employees. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.6; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1686 Labor relations administrator.

Sec. 2-1686. - Labor relations administrator. (a) A labor relations administrator, referred to in this division as the "administrator," shall be selected and appointed in the manner set forth in Subsection (c) of this section to effectively administer this division as it governs exclusive bargaining representative selection, certification and decertification procedures, labor-management disputes, and the methods for the selection of mediators or arbitrators when needed under this division or under any collective bargaining agreement. (b) The administrator must be experienced as a neutral in the field of labor relations, and must not be a person who, because of vocation, employment, or affiliation, can be categorized as a representative of the interest of the City or any employee organization, including an exclusive bargaining agent for a bargaining unit permitted under this division. (c) The selection of the administrator will be conducted through competitive negotiation for nonprofessional services as provided in Chapter 21. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel that will consist of an equal number of City representatives and either representatives of those employee organizations that have notified the Chief Administrative Officer of their interest in representing bargaining units permitted by this division, if no bargaining agents have been recognized at the time the selection process begins or representatives of the bargaining agent for the bargaining unit permitted by this division. The panel shall evaluate and rank all proposals and recommend up to the three highest-ranked offerors for presentation to the City Council for approval. The City Council shall approve one of the offerors presented to the City Council as the administrator. (d) The administrator shall be contracted for a four-year term, provided that the administrator's services shall be subject to termination by mutual agreement of the Chief Administrative Officer and a majority of the exclusive bargaining agents of the bargaining units permitted by this division, and with approval by the City Council by resolution. (e) If the administrator dies, resigns, becomes disabled, or otherwise becomes unable or ineligible to continue to serve within six months of initial appointment, the administrator vacancy shall be filled as provided in Subsection (c) of this section. (f) An administrator appointed under this section may be reappointed as provided in Subsection (c) of this section. (g) The terms of payment for the services of the administrator shall be paid as specified by contract with the City entered into pursuant to Chapter 21. (h) The administrator shall: (1) Hold and conduct elections for certification or decertification pursuant to the provisions of this division and issue the certification or decertification, or cause these actions to occur. (2) Request from the City or an employee organization, and the City or such organization shall provide, any relevant assistance, service, and data that will enable the administrator to properly carry out duties under this division. (3) Hold hearings and make inquiries, administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and documents, take testimony and receive evidence, and compel by issuance of subpoenas the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant documents in proceedings within the responsibility of the administrator under this division. (4) Investigate and attempt to resolve or settle, pursuant to this division, charges of either the City or an employee organization engaging in prohibited practices as defined in this division. However, if the City and a certified representative have negotiated a labor-management dispute resolution procedure, the administrator must defer to that procedure to resolve any dispute that properly may be submitted to the procedure, absent a showing that the deferral results in the application of principles contrary to this division. The administrator must defer to the procedures in Code of Virginia, §§ 9.1-300—9.1-304 and 9.1-500—9.1-507, and any other procedure required by the Code of Virginia. (5) Determine unresolved issues of employee inclusion in or exclusion from the bargaining units permitted under this division. (6) Obtain any necessary support services and make necessary expenditures in the performance of duties, subject to appropriation. (7) Determine any issue regarding the negotiability of any collective bargaining proposal. (8) Exercise any other powers and perform any other duties and functions specified in this division of an administrative nature. (9) Issue rules and regulations to carry out the duties of the administrator set forth in this division, provided that the administrator shall provide the rules and regulations for comment by the City, labor organizations, and other interested parties before implementing the rules and regulations. (i) If, no fewer than 120 days after the adoption of the ordinance that initially establishes this division, a petition is filed requesting certification of an exclusive bargaining representative, a party seeks to file an prohibited practice claim, or any other labor-management dispute arises and there is no administrator serving at the time, then the parties shall submit the certification petition or dispute to a mutually agreed upon interim neutral. The parties shall jointly select an interim neutral from another Virginia locality available under Section 21-40 or, if they are unable to agree on such an available interim neutral, they shall request a list of seven arbitrators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service or American Arbitration Association. Each party in turn shall strike a name from the list until only one name remains. The interim neutral shall serve as the administrator under this division until an administrator is selected pursuant to Subsection (c) of this section. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.6; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1687 Recognition of exclusive bargaining agent.

Sec. 2-1687. - Recognition of exclusive bargaining agent. (a) A bargaining agent shall be the exclusive representative of all employees in an appropriate bargaining unit described in Section 2-1686 if the employee organization is selected by a majority of the employees voting in the bargaining unit in an election conducted pursuant to this division and rules and procedures adopted by the administrator. (b) In the event that more than one employee organization files a request for recognition or for election within ten calendar days after a first request for recognition or for election has been filed, an election to select an exclusive bargaining agent shall be held under the rules and procedures adopted by the administrator. If an employee organization receives a majority of the votes cast by the employees voting in an appropriate bargaining unit, it shall be recognized by the City as the exclusive bargaining agent; provided, however, that the Chief Administrative Officer or an employee organization may file exceptions to the election with the administrator alleging that there has been misconduct which has affected the outcome of the election, and the City need not recognize the employee organization pending the resolution of any process to review those exceptions. Any cost of such election shall be shared equally by the parties involved. (c) Administratively acceptable evidence to support a petition for certification within the meaning of Code of Virginia, § 40.1-57.2(C) for certification or decertification under this division may consist of a combination of membership cards or a membership roster, evidence of dues payment, or other evidence of bargaining unit employees' desire to be represented by an employee organization for collective bargaining purposes. An authorization that satisfies the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Code of Virginia, §§ 59.1-479—59.1-497), including, without limitation, electronic authorizations and voice authorizations, shall be valid for employees' authorization for representation for purposes of a petition filed by a labor organization for exclusive representation. The determination by the administrator of the sufficiency of a showing of majority support or for a representation election shall not be subject to challenge by any person or employee organization or by the City. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.8; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1688 Request for election.

Sec. 2-1688. - Request for election. (a) An employee organization may request an election be held by submitting a petition for an election to the administrator who shall notify the Mayor pursuant to its rules and procedures. The petition must represent a showing of interest by at least 30 percent of the employees in a bargaining unit permitted by this division. (b) Any additional interested employee organization must submit a petition of intervention to the administrator, which must be accompanied by a showing of interest by 30 percent of the employees in the appropriate bargaining unit within ten days of notice that a valid petition for an election has been filed. (c) A mail-ballot election under this division shall be held within 45 days after written notice to all parties of the determination by the administrator of a valid petition for election in accordance with guidelines established by the administrator. If an employee organization receives a majority of the valid ballots cast by the employees in a permitted bargaining unit, it shall be recognized by the City as the exclusive bargaining agent, unless and until the administrator certifies a different organization or otherwise decertifies the bargaining agent in accordance with rules set forth in this section. In an election in which none of the choices on the ballot receives a majority, a runoff election shall be conducted in which the ballot shall provide for a selection between the two choices or parties receiving the highest and second highest number of ballots cast in the election. However, the City or the employee organization may file exceptions with the administrator in accordance with its rules, and the City will not recognize the employee organization pending the resolution of any process to review those exceptions. (d) Nothing in this division shall require or permit an election in any bargaining unit within 12 months after a previous election has resulted in the recognition of an exclusive bargaining representative or a determination that the employees choose no representation in such bargaining unit. (e) No party shall have an advantage over the other in gaining access to employees during organizational or representation campaign activity. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.9; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1689 Decertification.

Sec. 2-1689. - Decertification. (a) If a petition for decertification of a recognized exclusive bargaining agent is presented to the administrator showing that at least 50 percent of the employees in the bargaining unit no longer want the employee organization to be their bargaining agent, then the administrator shall hold an election pursuant to Section 2-1688. (b) A petition for decertification of a recognized exclusive collective bargaining agent in an appropriate unit may be filed in a 30-day period between the 180th and 150th day prior to expiration of any existing collective bargaining agreement for that bargaining unit or any time after that collective bargaining agreement has expired. (c) For a period of one year following recognition or certification of an exclusive bargaining agent, no decertification petitions may be filed. (d) The employee organization no longer shall be recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent of the employees in the bargaining unit if a majority of the employees in the appropriate bargaining unit vote in the decertification election to no longer be represented by the employee organization and a final outcome of that election has been certified by the administrator. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.10; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1690 Rights of employee organizations and rights accompanying exclusive representation.

Sec. 2-1690. - Rights of employee organizations and rights accompanying exclusive representation. (a) Employee organizations, whether or not certified as bargaining agents, shall have the right, subject to Section 2-1646(d) and other applicable laws, to meet with bargaining unit employees on City premises to which access is not restricted for security reasons during times when employees are on break or off duty, including the right to conduct worksite meetings during meal periods and other breaks and outside of the employees' working hours. (b) Any employee organization recognized as the bargaining agent for employees in an appropriate bargaining unit shall have the following rights: (1) To speak on behalf of all employees in the unit and shall be responsible for representing the interests of all employees in the bargaining unit without discrimination and without regard to employee organization membership; (2) To meet at reasonable times and places to engage in good faith collective bargaining on matters that, under this division, may be the subject of collective bargaining, in an effort to reach an agreement, subject to the tentative approval of the Chief Administrative Officer. (3) To meet with bargaining unit employees on the premises of the City in non-secure areas during times when the employees are on break or in a non-duty status. Any other employee organization that has submitted a petition and established a valid question concerning representation of the bargaining unit shall also be permitted to meet with bargaining unit employees with the same limitations. This subsection shall not restrict an exclusive bargaining agent and the City from negotiating for greater access to employees by the exclusive bargaining agent as a provision of a collective bargaining agreement. (4) To meet with newly hired employees, without charge to the pay or leave time of any of the employees for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 60 minutes, within 30 calendar days from the date of hire, immediately following new employee orientations conducted by the City and in the same City location or, if the City fails to conduct new employee orientation, during other group or individual meetings of new hires on City premises. The union orientation shall be considered a part of any required new City employee orientation, in the sequence described above. The City shall provide the bargaining agent with ten days' notice of the time and place of new employee orientations, a list of expected participants, and the opportunity to provide materials for distribution. This subsection shall not limit the parties from bargaining to further define this right. (5) To be the only labor organization eligible to receive from the City amounts deducted from the pay of employees as authorized by written assignment of the employees, for the payment of regular and periodic dues to the exclusive bargaining agent, unless two exclusive bargaining agents of City employees agree that they can both receive deductions from the same employee. Any such authorization may be revoked in accordance with the terms of the authorization. An authorization that satisfies the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Code of Virginia, §§ 59.1-479—59.1-497), including, without limitation, electronic authorizations and voice authorizations, shall be valid for employees' authorizations for payroll deductions and authorization for representation for purposes of a petition filed by an employee organization for exclusive representation. (6) To be represented at any formal discussion between one or more representatives of the City and one or more employees in the bargaining unit or their representatives concerning any matter that is within the scope of collective bargaining as set forth in this division's definition of collective bargaining, or any examination of bargaining unit employees by a representative of the City in connection with an investigation if the employee reasonably believes that the examination involves matters covered by any collective bargaining agreement then in effect or any matter that may reasonably lead to discipline of that employee, and the employee requests representation. The City shall inform the employee of the employee's right to union representation prior to any such discussion or examination. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, an individual employee may present a personal complaint, concern or question at any time to the City without the intervention of an employee organization, provided that any such organization that is recognized by the City as the exclusive bargaining agent for the bargaining unit in which the employee is a member is afforded an effective opportunity to be present and to offer its view at any meetings held to adjust the matter and that any adjustment made shall not be inconsistent with the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement. Those employees who utilize this avenue of presenting personal complaints, concerns or questions to the City shall not do so under the name, or by representation, of an employee organization. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.11; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1691 Good faith bargaining.

Sec. 2-1691. - Good faith bargaining. (a) The bargaining agent must submit a written request to the Chief Administrative Officer for any collective bargaining intended to result in a collective bargaining agreement to become effective for a given fiscal year in time for collective bargaining to begin on or before July 1 of the preceding fiscal year and conclude, including any impasse resolution procedures, by December 1 of the preceding fiscal year to ensure adequate time for inclusion in the Mayor's proposed budget for the given fiscal year. (b) Nothing in this division requires either party to make any concessions or agree to the other party's proposals. (c) Good faith bargaining shall not include submission of or a response to a proposal that violates the rights of employees as set forth in Section 2-1682 or impairs, restricts, or delegates any authority of the City that this division has explicitly reserved solely to the City. (d) The Mayor shall designate or appoint the City's representative in collective bargaining negotiations in the Mayor's sole discretion. (e) If an employee organization serves as the exclusive bargaining representative of more than one bargaining unit, it shall consolidate its bargaining with the City and negotiate a common master agreement on all matters not unique to particular bargaining unit. (f) The Chief Administrative Officer shall meet and confer with police and fire supervisors ineligible to bargain collectively regarding matters within the scope of collective bargaining as specified in this division with the specific intent to address salary compression, as commonly defined or understood, resulting from collective bargaining with eligible police and fire uniformed employees. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.12; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1692 Collective bargaining agreement.

Sec. 2-1692. - Collective bargaining agreement. (a) No collective bargaining agreement shall be effective or enforceable until the City Council has adopted an ordinance to approve the text of the collective bargaining agreement after reviewing the fiscal impact statement required by this section and holding the requisite public hearing. (b) When the parties reach a tentative agreement, they shall reduce it to writing, and the Chief Administrative Officer and the duly authorized representative of the bargaining agent shall sign the tentative agreement to indicate their approvals. The bargaining agent's signature certifies that the bargaining unit has approved or ratified the tentative agreement in accordance with the procedures or governing rules of the bargaining agent. (c) No later than 60 days after the parties have signed the tentative agreement, the Chief Administrative Officer shall prepare a fiscal impact statement for the tentative agreement and submit the tentative agreement with the fiscal impact statement for approval by the City Council via ordinance in accordance with the City Council's standard procedures and schedules. (d) Should the City Council reject the tentative agreement, it may cause the Council Chief of Staff to provide a detailed statement of the reasons for rejection to inform any further negotiations. Any such negotiations shall be scheduled as promptly as possible with the good faith objective to negotiate provisions that may be acceptable to the City Council for its consideration as part of the City's annual budget process. (e) A collective bargaining agreement reached by the parties shall not be contrary to public policy and shall not bind the parties or be enforceable by either party to the extent that it is not the result of good faith bargaining in accordance with Section 2-1691. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.13; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1693 Labor-management dispute and impasse resolution.

Sec. 2-1693. - Labor-management dispute and impasse resolution. (a) Impasses. (1) In the event that the City and the bargaining agent are unable to reach a collective bargaining agreement within 120 days after their first meeting or September 1, whichever is earlier, an impasse may be called by either party and resolution may be sought by submission of any unresolved issues for mediation by the administrator or a mediator selected through procedures established by the administrator. The parties shall jointly request mediation within five days of a declared impasse. The administrator or other mediator shall set reasonable deadlines for all steps of the mediation process. Negotiations on all matters shall continue throughout impasse procedures. (2) The mediation process is advisory only, and the administrator or other mediator shall have no authority to bind either party. (3) The mediation process and any comments, statements or suggestions from the administrator or other mediator or the parties and any documents evidencing the same made or created during the mediation process shall not be disclosed except as required by law. (4) The parties shall share the costs of mediation equally. (5) At the request of either party, and not later than September 15, impasses not resolved through negotiation or mediation shall be submitted to non-binding fact-finding. The parties shall jointly select a fact-finder or, if they are unable to agree on a fact-finder, they shall request a list of seven arbitrators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service or American Arbitration Association. Each party in turn shall strike a name from the list until only one name remains. Negotiations shall continue throughout the impasse procedures. (6) In making any decision under the impasse procedure authorized by this division, the fact-finder shall give weight to the following factors: a. The lawful authority of the City; b. Stipulations of the parties; c. The interests and welfare of the public; d. The financial ability of the employer to meet the costs of any items to be included in the agreement; e. Comparison of wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment of the employees involved in the arbitration proceedings with the wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment of other persons performing similar services in the public and private sectors, if applicable; f. The average consumer prices for goods and services, commonly known as the cost of living; g. The overall compensation presently received by the employees involved in the arbitration; h. Changes in any of the foregoing circumstances during the pendency of the arbitration proceedings; and i. Such other factors that are normally or traditionally taken into consideration in the determination of wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment through voluntary collective bargaining, mediation, arbitration, or otherwise between the parties, in public service or in private employment. (7) The fact-finder's decisions shall be provided to the Chief Administrative Officer and the bargaining agent not later than October 15 and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be made public for a period of 14 days. During this 14-day period, the parties shall meet and attempt to negotiate an agreement based on the fact-finder's recommendations. By mutual agreement, the 14-day period may be extended. (8) At the conclusion of the 14-day period (or longer period agreed to by the parties) period, the Chief Administrative Officer shall submit the last written bargaining position of the City and of the bargaining agent on each issue that remains in dispute with a copy of all of the fact-finder's recommendations to the City Council. (9) At its next meeting, the City Council shall provide 30 minutes to each of the parties at impasse for the purposes of explaining and justifying its last offer and thereafter render a decision on the matters subject to continuing impasse. The City Council's decision shall be final and not subject to further review. (10) The expenses of the fact-finder shall be borne equally by the parties. (b) Labor-management disputes. (1) The City and a bargaining agent shall discuss the feasibility of resolution of labor-management disputes informally by discussion between the parties' designees before resort to formal mediation or arbitration. Failure to actually engage in such informal resolution prior to submitting a labor-management dispute or prohibited practice claim for mediation or arbitration shall not be a ground for dismissal of a claim under this division. In the event that the City and the bargaining agent are unable to informally resolve a labor-management dispute if and when engaged, either party or the parties jointly may submit the dispute to the administrator for mediation or arbitration, if applicable, pursuant to procedures instituted by the administrator. (2) If the City and the bargaining agent are unable to reach agreement resolving any labor-management dispute submitted to mediation as provided for in this division by any deadline set forth in procedures provided in this division or adopted by the administrator, the labor-management dispute shall be submitted to final and binding arbitration pursuant to procedures adopted by the administrator which shall, at a minimum, require the parties' joint selection of an arbitrator. The parties shall share the costs of arbitration equally. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.14; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1694 Strikes and lockouts.

Sec. 2-1694. - Strikes and lockouts. Pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 40.1-55, any employee who, in concert with two or more other such employees, strikes or willfully refuses to perform the duties of their employment shall be deemed by that action to have terminated their employment and shall be ineligible for employment in any position or capacity during the next 12 months by the City. The City shall not engage in a lockout of employees from the workplace. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.15; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1695 Prohibited practices.

Sec. 2-1695. - Prohibited practices. (a) Neither the City nor any exclusive bargaining agent shall refuse to negotiate in good faith with respect to matters within the scope of collective bargaining as defined in this division. (b) The City and its agents shall not: (1) Interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of rights granted by this division; (2) Dominate or interfere in the administration of any employee organization; (3) Encourage or discourage membership in any employee organization, committee, or association, including by discrimination in hiring, tenure, or other terms and conditions of employment; (4) Discharge or discriminate against any employee because the employee has filed an affidavit, petition, or complaint or given any information or testimony under this division or because the employee has formed, joined, or chosen to be represented by any exclusive bargaining agent; (5) Deny the rights accompanying certification as the exclusive bargaining agent as conferred by this division; (6) Refuse to participate in good faith in any agreed-upon impasse resolution procedures or those set forth in this division; (7) Deter or discourage, or knowingly aid any other entity in deterring or discouraging, employees or applicants for City employment from becoming or remaining members of an employee organization, authorizing representation by an employee organization, authorizing dues or fee deductions to an employee organization, or exercising any right of an employee under this division; or (8) Refuse to reduce a collective bargaining agreement to writing and sign such agreement provided all conditions for an enforceable agreement, as set forth in this division, have been met. (c) No employee organization or its agents shall: (1) Interfere with, restrain, or coerce any employee with respect to rights granted in this division or with respect to selecting an exclusive representative; (2) Willfully fail to represent an employee who is in a bargaining unit exclusively represented by the employee organization fairly regarding matters within the scope of collective bargaining, and without discrimination; (3) Refuse to bargain collectively with the City as provided in this division; or (4) Refuse to participate in good faith in or violate any agreed-upon impasse resolution procedures or those set forth in this division. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.16; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1696 Prohibited practice charge procedures.

Sec. 2-1696. - Prohibited practice charge procedures. (a) Proceedings against a party alleging a violation of Section 2-1695 shall be commenced by filing a charge with the administrator within 180 days of the alleged violation, or acquiring knowledge thereof, and causing a copy of the charge to be served upon the accused party in accordance with Section 2-1698. The accused party shall have ten days within which to file a written answer to the charge. The administrator may conduct a preliminary investigation of the alleged violation, and if the administrator determines that the charge has no legal or factual basis, they may dismiss the charge. If the charge is not dismissed, the administrator shall promptly thereafter set a time and place for a hearing. The parties shall be permitted to be represented by counsel or other designated representative, summon witnesses, and request the administrator to subpoena witnesses and the production of records on the requester's behalf. Compliance with the technical rules of pleading and evidence shall not be required. (b) The administrator may designate a hearing officer to conduct any hearing. The hearing officer shall have such powers as may be exercised by the administrator for conducting the hearing and shall follow procedures adopted by the administrator for conducting the hearing. The decision of the hearing officer may be appealed to the administrator and the administrator may hear the case de novo or upon the record as submitted before the hearing officer. (c) The administrator shall provide for an official written transcript to report the proceedings, the costs of which shall be borne equally by the parties. (d) The administrator shall file its findings of fact and conclusions. If the administrator finds that the party accused has violated any provision of this section, the administrator may issue an order directing the party to cease and desist engaging in the violation and may order such other reasonable affirmative relief as is necessary to remedy the violation. Under the provisions for court review of arbitration awards set forth in the Uniform Arbitration Act, Code of Virginia, §§ 8.01-581.01—8.01-581.016, the administrator or either party may petition the circuit court within 21 days from the date of the decision for enforcement of an order made under this section. (e) Any party aggrieved by any decision or order of the administrator may within 21 days from the date of such decision or order is filed, appeal to the circuit court to obtain judicial review pursuant to the provisions for judicial review set forth in the Uniform Arbitration Act, Code of Virginia, §§ 8.01-581.01—8.01-581.016. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.17; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1697 Time limits.

Sec. 2-1697. - Time limits. Any time limits in this division may be extended by written agreement of the Chief Administrative Officer, the employee organization, and any other appropriate parties. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.18; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1698 Notices.

Sec. 2-1698. - Notices. Any notice required under this division shall be in writing, but service of any such notice shall be sufficient if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the last-known address of the party to be served, unless otherwise provided in this division or by the rules of the administrator, which rules shall provide for the electronic service of documents. Refusal of certified mail by any party shall be considered service. Prescribed time periods shall commence from the date of the receipt of the notice. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.19; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Richmond, Va., City Code § 2-1699 Review of division.

Sec. 2-1699. - Review of division. The Mayor shall conduct a review of this division and its effectiveness for the purposes set forth in Section 2-1680 and submit a report of the Mayor's findings and recommendations to the City Council within one year after the division has been in effect for two years. (Code 2020, § 2-1301.20; Ord. No. 2022-221, § 1, 7-25-2022)

Source: City of Richmond, Virginia, Code (2026 recodification) and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICICO_CH2AD_ARTVIPE_DIV6COBAFetched: 11/8/2026