Dear Colleagues in Health Services and the Counseling Center,
As you know, only one National Education Association (NEA) petition seeking to unionize a small number of employees in Health Services and the Counseling Center remained after the NEA withdrew two other petitions at the Public Employee Labor Relations Board (PELRB) to represent some OS and PAT employees. We asked the PELRB to increase the eligible voters to include all full-time benefitted employees who work in Health Services and the Counseling Center except those excluded by law or who are interns or students, and the NEA agreed. This aligns with our belief that all eligible employees should have the opportunity to vote on a decision that can change the culture, practices and procedures of everyone in these two departments.
I am pleased to report that the PELRB approved this proposal late Monday, and set May 18, 2017 , for the election. The polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conference rooms in each location. Remember, the union only needs a majority of the votes actually cast to win the election. If you do not vote, the union needs fewer votes to win. Don’t let others make this important decision for you.
I urge you to take the time to read previous university communications on staff unionization and learn why Your Voice Matters. Please exercise your right to vote. We will continue to provide information on the process and important facts to consider before casting your vote, and your Human Resources partner, Mary Eisenhauer, is also available to answer questions and provide information.
Sincerely,
Mark W. Huddleston
President
