Employees in the Ithaca College Office of Public Safety have approved the formation of a collective bargaining unit affiliated with the International Union of United Government Security Officers of America.
On Friday, December 19, eligible employees voted 18-7 for union representation in balloting administered by the National Labor Relations Board. The official results must still be certified by the NLRB.
"I am disappointed that our public safety employees have decided to have an outside labor organization speak for them on all employment-related matters," says Ithaca College president Peggy R. Williams. "We have not had any unions at Ithaca College because the College is viewed by most as a good place to work, and the majority of employees have concluded that they are better off maintaining a direct working relationship with their supervisors, managers, and administrators.
"Collective bargaining is a very unpredictable process," Williams added. "As always, we will continue as an institution to foster a work environment based on full and open communication, collaboration, and community."
The Office of Public Safety comprises 38 employees in four operating units: patrol and security services, environmental health and safety, parking and traffic services, and administration. The 26 members of the bargaining unit include patrol and security officers, investigators, sergeants, dispatchers, and parking and traffic services staff.
Contributed by Dave Maley
