Control of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate is up for grabs in the November 5th legislative elections, and Local 400 members have a unique opportunity to put worker allies fully in control of the entire General Assembly.

Now more than ever, Virginia needs to put the needs of working families first. A recent report by OxFam ranked the best and worst states to work in America. Virginia ranks dead last.

A big reason for this is the state’s many anti-worker and anti-union laws which allow employers to exploit workers.

Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. is at the top of the list. It’s also where we have managed to pass laws like a $15 minimum wage, paid sick leave, paid family leave, protection from wage theft, and “Ban the Box.”

This is why it’s so important for Local 400 members to get involved in the political process. This is why our union fights so hard to elect leaders and pass legislation that improves your working conditions and puts more money in your pockets. When we vote, we can change the laws and bring real improvements to our lives.

Anti-worker Republicans currently control the House by a narrow 51-48 margin. In the Senate, they have razor-thin 20-19 edge. A shift of just one Senate seat and two House seats would change the balance of power, making it far more likely that new laws will be passed improving the quality of life for Virginia’s working families and strengthening workers’ rights.