Triggered by its police and fire departments, leaders in Prince William County will create a new policy that allows its local government employees to collectively bargain for higher wages.
Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun counties, and Alexandria city made similar moves this year after the General Assembly voted to allow collective bargaining for local government employees, reversing the 1970’s-era ban on the practice.
The city’s Equity and Inclusion Committee held a series of pop-up listening sessions, regular online video meetings, and discussions with area leaders. The most commonly used word in responses received from residents was “equality,” said commission Chairman George Odom.
During a speech to the city council, Odom reminded elected leaders equality and equity is not the same. “Equality treats everyone the same without deference to different races, sexes, or social classes,” said Odom. Meanwhile, “equity” deals in judging the fairness of an issue, Webster’s Dictionary defines.
A newly elected Stafford County supervisor has stated her support for the reinstatement of former Aquia Harbour Police Chief Nathan Thompson.
Monica Gary, who will represent the Aquia District on January 1, announced her position on Thompson’s dismissal from his post this past November.
By Volunteer Prince William
Greetings, Prince William – Help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate! Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) make a difference in abused and neglected children’s lives.
Manassas man defrauds Amazon: A Manassas man pleaded guilty today to defrauding the online retailer, Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon), of over $300,000 by operating a mail fraud scheme to buy high-end products, claim a refund, then return a similar item of significantly lesser value. [U.S. Attorney’s Office]
Collective bargaining: Prince William County will decide this week if it will allow employees in its fire and rescue, and police departments to form collective bargaining units. [Insidenova.com]
More shots rang out in Prince William County.
At 8:35 p.m. Friday, December 10, officers went to the 7800 block of Meadow Court near Manassas to investigate a shooting. Residents told police they heard multiple gunshots. An investigation revealed two masked men fired multiple rounds in front of the home before fleeing in a white sedan a third person. Multiple bullets struck the house. Police report no injuries.
As county leaders voted on a newly-proposed magisterial district map, Republicans say Democrats made the map-making process a political one designed to help a colleague.
Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega will pick up about 2,500 new constituents who live south of Manassas, around the semi-rural Yates Ford Road area. The rural subdivision had been in the Occoquan District, represented by Kenny Boddye.
