Labor & Employment Law

Telecom, Satellite TV Workers, Police Officers and More Join AFL-CIO Unions

By Mike Hall

Telecommunications workers, satellite television installers, police officers and freight handlers are among the latest workers to win a voice at work with AFL-CIO unions.

In Indiana and Michigan, 315 AT&T Mobility workers joined the Communications Workers (CWA). The former Centennial Wireless joined through a majority sign-up agreement between CWA and AT&T.

In Indiana, some 290 customer care representatives at the Ft. Wayne call center and a 10-person statewide unit of technicians now are represented by CWA Local 4900. In Michigan, a unit of 15 network technicians from Michigan won representation by Local 4100. Both groups joined through majority sing up formerly with Centennial Wireless. Also, in Berlin Township, N.J., 19 workers in the town’s public workers department joined CWA Local 1040.

In Rancho Dominguez, Calif., 204 DirectTV installation technicians voted join the Machinists (IAM). IAM Organizer Felix Osuna says the workers’ concerns included unfair discipline, job security, respect on the job and poor compensation. Also joining the IAM was a group of service contract workers employed by Science Management Resources Inc., at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force base in Montgomery, Ala.

The professional staff members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW). The 66 workers in the NYSA union program include nursing representative, labor representative, organizers, health and safety and community affairs representatives.

The 39 members of the Allegheny County (Pa.), the Port Authority Transit Police voted to join the International Union of Police Associations, (IUPA).

Also, 33 freight handlers Champion Exposition Services in New Orleans, La., voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 39. Champion is a general service contractor I the tradeshow industry.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on May 13, 2010 (boomark / email).