Labor Union Blog

Telecommunications workers, satellite TV 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 of America (CWA). The former Centennial Wireless workers joined through a majority sign-up agreement between CWA and AT&T.

In Indiana, some 290 customer care representatives at the Fort 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. 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 to 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 NYSNA union program include a 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 voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 39. Champion is a general service contractor in the trade show industry.