The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has responded to the Virginia General Assembly’s decision to table legislation that would have altered the state’s right-to-work laws. Julia Hammond, NFIB State Director, issued a statement following the legislative action.
“This is a big victory for small business owners and their employees,” Hammond said.
She explained that right-to-work laws are a significant factor in making Virginia appealing to employers. “Right-to-work is one of the main reasons Virginia has become so attractive to employers. It makes our state more competitive both regionally and nationally. Companies consider right-to-work laws when deciding where to locate or expand, and those decisions can create new opportunities for small, locally owned businesses,” Hammond stated.
Addressing criticism from labor groups, Hammond added, “Big Labor claims right-to-work is anti-union, but that’s not true. Right-to-work simply means employees have a choice. If you want to join a union, you can. But you are not required to join a union to get or keep a job. It also protects workers from being fired for choosing to join a union.”
Hammond concluded by expressing gratitude toward lawmakers: “On behalf of our small business owners, I thank legislative leaders for tabling legislation that would have weakened Virginia’s economy.”
