Vermont Voters Approve Union Rights and Equal Protection Amendments
Vermont voters approved two constitutional amendments guaranteeing collective bargaining rights and equal protection under the law in a November 4 referendum.
Voters in Vermont approved two constitutional amendments on Tuesday, November 4, 2026, strengthening labor protections and civil rights. Both measures reached the public ballot after receiving legislative support across two consecutive bienniums.
Proposal 3 enshrines the right to collective bargaining for employees and prohibits future right-to-work legislation that would diminish union protections. The measure passed with approximately 74% of the vote. Proponents of the amendment sought to counter national anti-union trends, supported by a campaign that spent nearly $800,000 and received funding in part from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Proposal 4 received approximately 79% of the vote, guaranteeing equal protection under the law regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. This amendment is intended to shield historically marginalized communities and provide a stronger legal foundation for anti-discrimination lawsuits.
