GUILDERLAND — A multi-month effort by Town of Guilderland highway workers to organize a union with CSEA is complete following a vote by the Guilderland Town Board to voluntarily recognize our union as the workers’ exclusive bargaining representative.
The group, which comprises 40 operators, laborers and mechanics, requested voluntary recognition to management in early April after the majority of the bargaining unit signed authorization cards selecting CSEA to represent them. Workers stated throughout the campaign that they want a voice in working conditions, as well as a workplace climate that treats employees with dignity and respect.
“We finally have a real voice on the job,” said Kyle Van Patten, an Operator 3. “This is about standing together to make sure we’re treated fairly, whether it’s wages, safety, equipment, seniority or scheduling. It means we have the power to negotiate to make things fair for everyone. The work we do in our town is important and now, as a union, we have the strength to make sure we are heard and treated with dignity and respect.”
“Winning our union is an important step towards equality in the workplace,” said Johnny Boyer, a laborer. “As CSEA members, our voice will no longer be meaningless. This is a proud moment for me, my family and all of us in the Highway Department.”
“CSEA welcomes the Guilderland Highway workers to the CSEA family,” said CSEA Capital Region President Shana Davis. “Their work deserves the dignity, respect, and protections that only a strong union agreement can provide. We stand in full support the of Guilderland highway members as they push forward on their first union contract.”
— Therese Assalian