Workers seek union security

THE IMPACT OF THE BAD ECONOMY on local governments is causing workers across the state to seek the security of union protection.

Employees of cities and counties who are unaffiliated with unions are calling Council 2 in increasing numbers to find out how they can gain the protection that comes with being part of a large powerful organization that can fight for their rights.
Of course, most of the state’s city and county employees already are members of Council 2; the new members are from the ranks of those who have not been members but are now eager to join up.

Already this year about 500 workers have joined Council 2 as a result. Several cases are still pending, the results of which are likely to be seen later this year.

In all cases the support for union membership has been so strong that more than 70 percent have voted to join the union or have signed cards indicating their desire to join the union; this “card check” makes an election unnecessary.

“Almost all say that the current economic conditions are leading them to contact us,” says Council 2 Director of Organizing Bill Keenan. “They are concerned about the effect of lower budgets and resulting cutbacks and they want to speak with a united voice.”

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