“On February 27, 2024 the Virginia City Council shut out over a hundred AFSCME Local 454 members and community supporters from speaking to the Council at a scheduled public forum. In an attempt to silence growing public pressure, the City Council approved an emergency ordinance prohibiting targeted residential picketing in Virginia. No reason was provided by the Council in the introduction or passage of the ordinance, and AFSCME Council 65 condemns the City Council’s attack on the first amendment right to publicly demonstrate, particularly through union activity.
Furthermore, we condemn the actions of Councilmember Julianne Paulsen who presented dedicated public servants with a bucket of pacifiers. This is reprehensible and unacceptable behavior from an elected official. AFSCME members have a clear right to engage in protected, concerted activity and should not face childish behavior from elected Councilmembers in response to the exercise of these rights and through their actions in bargaining a fair contract.
“These are community members, library workers, plow drivers, utility workers, they are essential to the function of the city,” said AFSCME 65 Executive Director Shannon Douvier. “This was an immature stunt and it shows her deep disdain for every worker who is dedicated to making Virginia the great place it is. I cannot see how someone with such malice towards her own city workers can effectively carry out their duties which includes managing city employees.”
