Drivers for disability center join Teamsters

Transportation workers at the Center for Disability Services voted in a 2-1 ratio Friday to join the Teamsters union.
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All 66 full-time employees, who include drivers, transport assistants, mechanics and dispatchers, cast ballots between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the center's 700 S. Pearl St. facility.

The vote count was 44-22, according to union officials.

Two previous organizing efforts failed at the center, previously known as the Center for the Disabled. Both of those efforts were undertaken by UNITE, the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees, and were aimed at organizing all center employees.

Norma Werner, a driver with the center for three years who supported the Teamsters' effort, said the employees look forward to beginning negotiations for their first contract.

She said transportation workers are hoping to achieve "respect on the job, better benefits and job security." Employees currently can contribute to a 401(k) retirement investment plan but do not have a pension fund. They also would like more extensive health coverage with lower co-pays, Werner said.

The group was organized by Local 294, the Capital Region local for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Gary Ryan of Local 294 attributed the success this time, in part, to the focus on a smaller group of employees. He said the union also has had contact with other center employees who are interested in forming a bargaining unit.

Center officials released a statement after the vote. "Center management respected the right of staff to vote in this election, and in fact encouraged every eligible transportation employee to vote," the statement said.

The statement also offered thanks to staff members "for continuing to conduct themselves in a professional and caring manner throughout the process."