AFTER ALMOST a year, eight members of the Vancouver City Attorney’s support staff joined Council 2 December 9 following a successful card check. A card check means sufficient number of members — in this case 90 percent — have shown written support for the union, making an election unnecessary.

But the win was not without its drama. After the employees announced their intention to seek union representation, the City challenged the attorneys’ eligibility to be part of the union. Council 2 filed unfair labor practice charges, alleging that the City had retaliated against employees who had participated in the campaign and had helped organize it.

Meanwhile, the staff already has a contract in place; they will become part of the existing contract with the City of Vancouver, Local 307-VC.