Collective Bargaining Election Planned For LCPS Teachers, Other Bargaining Unit

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — After the Loudoun County School Board approved collective bargaining for teachers and select other employees in August, an election for collective bargaining representation is set.

On Tuesday, Loudoun County Public Schools shared notices of elections for the Loudoun Education Association, which is seeking to be the collective bargaining representative for two bargaining units — certified employees and non-certified employees. According to the election notices, employees in the bargaining units will vote online from 8 a.m. on Dec. 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6. Employees eligible to vote are being notified with their LCPS email address.

Teachers are part of the certified employees bargaining unit. The other bargaining unit approved under the process is non-certified employees, which does not include administrative employees, confidential employees, temporary employees, athletic coaches, interns and volunteers.

Under the collective bargaining ordinance, bargaining units may choose a union to exclusively represent them in collective bargaining negotiations with LCPS. A union must hold an election and receive a majority of votes from bargaining unit employees. A labor relations professional would serve as a third party during the process. Membership in a union is voluntary for LCPS employees, according to the school division.

The exclusive bargaining representative will negotiate an agreement with LCPS involving wages, benefits and working conditions. The School Board must approve the agreement before it can become effective, and it is contingent upon sufficient funds allocated by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. For an agreement to be incorporated into the next year's fiscal year budget, collective bargaining must begin by April 15 and end by Dec. 1.