City Employees Begin Unionization Process

[Omaha Steve]

http://yankton.net/stories/032708/com_262175007.shtml

Thursday, March 27, 2008
Story last updated at 1:28 am on 3/27/2008
City Employees Begin Unionization Process

Press & Dakotan

Yankton City employees met on Tuesday to begin the process of establishing their own local union with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 59, affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Temporary officers were elected with Beth Parr winning the secret ballot election for president. Bargaining committee members and department stewards were also selected. The local union will now apply for a union charter with AFSCME.

The employees have begun discussions on proposals for contract negotiations with the city. AFSCME Council 59 Executive Director Paul Aylward said that employees are excited about the process of organizing their union.

Bargaining unit employees will soon have the opportunity to respond to a negotiations survey. Aylward stated, "Employees now have the opportunity to step up and be heard. Every employee can voice their concerns and give their input. The bargaining committee will study the issues and prepare items for negotiations for their first union contract."

A union election was conducted by the South Dakota Department of Labor on Feb. 20, with employees choosing to join the union. The bargaining unit includes 86 employees of the city of Yankton excluding elected officials, police officers, managers, confidential employees, seasonal and casual employees.