Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden cancels health coverage for striking employees

, and WTVR CBS 6

October 5, 2026 . 12:35 PM

1 min read

Eryn Boyle, (center) a Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden horticulturist who serves on the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union negotiating committee, protested with colleagues outside of their workplace July 29, 2026 to raise awareness in a one-day unfair labor practice strike as the workers negotiate for higher wages. (Dina Weinstein/Henrico Citizen)

Striking employees of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden are being removed from the nonprofit's healthcare plan, according to a letter from the garden.

Lewis Ginter wrote to CBS 6:

"The law does not require employers to continue paying wages or unaccrued benefits to striking workers who are not actively working. Earlier this summer, the Garden informed employees on multiple occasions that medical benefits could be affected by a strike. The strike began on September 2nd, and the Garden continued medical benefits through the end of September. The Garden was hopeful the strike would end before suspending the employer-paid portion of inactive employees’ benefits."

Lewis Ginter writes that striking employees who are full-time and have benefits would not be paid for them as of Thursday, October 1, "since they are inactive employees."

All active employees are still receiving the employer-paid portion of their benefits.

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