The Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation Tuesday to protect the secret ballot in union elections and protect employers from being required to give employee information like cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses and shift times to third parties. House Bills 1385 and 1931 were carried by Delegate Barbara Comstock.

“These are common-sense measures to protect workers’ rights and privacy,” said Comstock. “The secret ballot is fundamental to our Democracy and no worker should have that right threatened. House bill 1385 will protect the right to a secret ballot in union elections and ensure that employees can make decisions on union organization without fear of retribution, retaliation or harassment.

“House Bill 1931 creates privacy protections for employee data like cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses and shift times so employers cannot be compelled to give that information to third parties. This is a common-sense approach to ensuring workers are protected.

“I am pleased these measures passed the House and urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this legislation.”

House Bill 1385, which protects the right to a secret ballot in union elections, passed 69 to 30. House Bill 1931, which creates protections for employee privacy, passed 67 to 32.

Delegate Comstock represents the 34th House of Delegates district which includes Great Falls, parts of McLean, Vienna, and Loudoun.