The recent news about the formation of a massive education union in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., driven by the merger of several large labor groups, marks a significant moment for the state. This newly united labor front, which consists of more than 27,500 members, including teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, and even administrators, could reshape how education professionals engage with policymakers, school boards, and higher education institutions, not only in Fairfax County, but across the Commonwealth. The Fairfax County school district is by far the largest in the state.

Virginia has long been a “right to work” state, meaning unions have faced significant challenges in gaining a foothold here. However, a new state law passed in 2021 lifted the ban on collective bargaining for public sector workers. With the formation of the Fairfax Education Unions – a coalition of the local affiliates of the two national teacher unions, the NEA and AFT — there is potential for a significant shift not only in K-12 education but also in Virginia’s higher education landscape.

What Does This Mean for K-12 Education in Virginia?

At the K-12 level, the creation of such a strong union will likely lead to greater collective bargaining power for teachers and education professionals. This could mean more robust discussions around pay increases, smaller class sizes, and better working conditions. For school districts, particularly those with budget constraints, this may result in an increased need to negotiate more strategically during collective bargaining, as the balance of power begins to tilt more in favor of unionized labor.

Additionally, there’s the potential for this union to play a more prominent role in educational policy. In states like California and New York, large, well-organized unions have significantly influenced legislation and budget decisions. Virginia could see a similar trend, with unions pushing for statewide improvements to education funding, teacher retention programs, and employee benefits.

The Ripple Effect on Higher Education in Virginia

While K-12 education might see more immediate changes, higher education institutions in Virginia should also be paying attention. Here’s why:

Potential Unionization of Faculty and Staff: The formation of a large education union could serve as a catalyst for faculty and staff at Virginia’s many colleges and universities to unionize or seek stronger representation. While unions in higher education have historically had mixed success, the momentum created by the new education union in Fairfax County could change the landscape. Higher ed faculty, adjunct professors, and support staff may feel empowered to push for similar collective bargaining rights and protections.

Impact on Labor Costs and Administrative Structures: If higher education professionals in Virginia were to unionize, this could have a direct impact on labor costs for colleges and universities, potentially driving up wages and benefits. Institutions of higher education would need to consider how to absorb these costs, whether through tuition hikes, budget reallocations, or lobbying for increased state funding.

Influence on Education Policy and Governance: Strong union advocating for education professionals, could increase the pressure on state and local governments to adjust their approach to higher education governance. Issues like funding for public universities, diversity in faculty hiring, and student support services could be more prominently promoted and influenced by labor interests. Moreover, this could translate into political pressure for policies that support more equitable pay and benefits for those in the higher ed sector.

The Political Implications for Virginia

Virginia’s education system — both K-12 and higher ed — has long been subject to the ebb and flow of state politics. The creation of a massive education union has the potential to shift the political landscape, especially with Virginia being a battleground state.

We may see increased lobbying efforts, with education unions supporting candidates and legislation aligned with their goals. This could result in stronger labor laws, enhanced job protections, and an overall shift in how the state government views and funds education in Virginia.

Additionally, union influence may end up extending into campaigns around issues like student debt relief, adjunct professor pay, and even tuition freezes or reductions, especially if organized labor can build alliances with student advocacy groups.

What Virginia Businesses and Institutions Should Do

The rise of this education union means that institutions, especially in the higher ed sector, need to be proactive. Here are a few steps to consider:

1. Stay Informed: Higher education leaders should closely monitor how the Fairfax County union evolves and what its priorities are. Understanding where the union stands on key issues will help institutions prepare for any changes that could arise.

2. Evaluate Labor Practices: Institutions should take this moment to review their own labor policies. Are pay scales competitive? Are benefits packages adequate? Are there ways to improve working conditions that would preemptively address concerns before unionization efforts gain momentum?

3. Engage in Dialogue: Proactively engaging with faculty and staff about their concerns could help institutions stay ahead of any push for unionization. Transparent communication and addressing issues early could foster a more collaborative environment.

4. Plan for Potential Budget Changes: If labor costs rise due to increased union activity, higher education institutions may need to revisit their budgets. Whether it’s through cuts, tuition increases, or securing more state funding, institutions should begin thinking about how they would absorb these potential changes.

The formation of the new education union in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a development that could significantly alter the education landscape at all levels of education across the Commonwealth. While K-12 educators are the immediate focus, higher education institutions would be wise to take notice. The potential ripple effects — from faculty unionization to shifts in policy and funding — could change the way Virginia’s colleges and universities operate in the coming years. By staying informed and prepared, higher ed leaders can navigate this evolving environment and ensure their institutions are well-positioned for whatever comes next.

If you have questions about your current K-12 or higher education policies or labor issues please contact Doug Taylor, at rdougtaylor@beankinney.com or (703) 525-4000.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not contain or convey legal advice. Consult a lawyer. Any views or opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily the views of any client.