Pataskala (Ohio) workers vote to unionize

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070823/UPDATES01/70823023/1002/

By CHAD KLIMACK
Advocate Reporter

PATASKALA — Pataskala’s employees voted this week to join a union, a move that could signal new contract negotiations.

All told, 14 employees participated in the election. Pataskala’s police officers, who already are represented by a union, did not participate in the election. Neither did the city’s administrative staff nor a handful of clerks who have managerial positions, according to the city.

Those who participated included employees from the city’s utility, transportation and zoning departments. The employees voted 13-1 to join the United Steelworkers.

Union representatives worried before the election that city officials would try to squash the employees’ efforts. However, United Steelworkers organizer Nellie Carabello said that did not happen.

“They pretty much allowed the workers to make up their minds,” Carabello said.

The vote took place Tuesday, and Carabello said the employees must wait 10 days before the results go to the State Employment Relations Board. The wait gives the city an opportunity to file an objection. If the city does not file an objection, the board will certify the results.


FULL story at link.