wcax.com · Calvin Cutler · September 4, 2026
Vermont voters to decide on constitutional amendment guaranteeing union rights
# Vermont voters to decide on constitutional amendment guaranteeing union rights
By Calvin Cutler
Published: Sep. 4, 2026 at 5:21 PM EDT| Updated: 45 minutes ago
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Vermonters will decide in November whether to add an amendment to the Vermont Constitution guaranteeing unions the right to organize, a measure supporters and critics disagree on when it comes to its impact on workers and the economy.
Proposition 3 would give Vermonters the right to collectively bargain and join a union as part of the state constitution. But what it would mean for workers and the economy is up for debate.
The labor movement has deep roots in the Green Mountains, from Barre’s historic granite industry to organized labor in agriculture, healthcare, education, and state workers.
“Unions are an equalizer, and even people who don’t belong to a labor union benefit from collective bargaining. They raise all wages,” said Rep. Conor Casey, D-Montpelier. He says about 13% of Vermont’s labor force is unionized. On average, union members make over 10% more than non-union members across industries.
The right to join a union is already guaranteed by both state and federal law, but if Vermont voters give Prop 3 the green light, it would be enshrined in the state constitution. It comes as Casey says there’s been a deliberate effort from large corporations around the country to ban unions. “This will protect Vermont from some of those out-of-state interests who are looking to break working people for their own corporate benefit,” Casey said.
Others aren’t so sure, including Elizabeth Brown with the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, a right-leaning advocacy group. “If we have to look for unions to fight for higher wages and try to force businesses to stay here, that’s one approach, but what we’re seeing across the country is that’s not working,” she said. Brown fears Prop 3 could have a chilling effect on private sector job growth and stunt economic development. “Vermont’s overarching business climate is not business friendly, and I think that is a warning sign.”
Gov. Phil Scott says he sees the need for both unions and the open market. He’s split on whether to support the amendment. “I don’t think Prop 3 is necessary, but I don’t think it does any harm either. I’m ambivalent,” he said.
Voters will also see Proposition 4 on their ballot in November. It’s another constitutional amendment, this one guaranteeing everyone equal protection under the law. That is also already built into state and federal law. Both measures are the latest in a slew of initiatives Vermont leaders are taking to safeguard the state from changes at the federal level.
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