Outpour of concerns continue over upcoming right-to-work vote

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The outpouring of support continues for Article 1 of the Virginia's Constitution.  Virginians will be able to vote on amending the state's status as a right-to-work state it during this year's election.

Labor unions from across the Roanoke Valley discussed the potential amendment on Monday. Members of those unions said they're against the Commonwealth becoming an anti-union state because they could lose power when fighting for rights like health care and better pay. They added if it becomes part of the Constitution it could be difficult to change back.

"We should all have an opportunity to change our minds about things," Penny Franklin, the Union's President said. "If this has worked for nearly 70-years in the state of Virginia, why does it need to be a part of the constitution?"

Supporters of the amendment said it would encourage new businesses to come to the area.

Virginia has been a right-to-work state since 1947.