Good news for the citizens of Virginia who were watching a strike for almost a week.

In a mediation session held on Tuesday, the two parties, Virginia and AFSCME Local 454, reached a tentative agreement.

Later in the evening, the City Council and members of AFSCME Local 454 voted to ratify the contract.

“It was really incredible to see the power of working people standing together, ” said Scott DaRonco, President of AFSCME Local 454. “I just can’t say enough about how grateful I am to all the union members, local businesses and community members who have supported us through this. We won’t forget how you stood with us.”

The tentative agreement that was approved Tuesday included the City Negotiating Committee offer of February 27, 2024, which included base wage increases of a cumulative total of 10.5% over the next three years. In 2024, the wage increases for AFSCME would have resulted in an increase of $140,925 to overall city budget. In 2025 and 2026, the City would have needed to allocate an additional cumulative total of $323,000 for AFSCME staff wage increases.

“We are thankful that an agreement was reached,” said City Administrator Britt See-Benes. “This has been a difficult time for all of us and we look forward to moving forward together as a team as we serve Virginia’s citizens.”

“I want to thank our staff and the Bureau of Mediation Services who spent many hours over the last four months to reach this agreement,” said See-Benes. “I’d also like to thank the City Council for its commitment to reaching resolution that serves our employees as well as taxpayers.”

All city employees will return to their regular schedules on Wednesday. They had begun picketing last Wednesday.