Timberon Bargaining Begins
March 7th, 2006
Our newest group to join SEA-CWA began bargaining last Thursday!
Timberon Water and Sanitation District employees organized with SEA-CWA for respect, job security, and to make their community a better place. Less than 400 people live in Timberon, which is nestled in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico.
Employees elected Deborah Goss and Andrew Beck to represent them at the bargaining table, who join SEA-CWA President Robin Gould and Staff Representative Lawrence Sandoval. Management representatives are board members Joan Schug, Sid Benson, Scott Millar, and community members Ken Bradshaw and Joe Wheeler.
The first bargaining session was productive and we tentatively agreed to 18 articles with management, covering mostly non-economic language, including a fair grievance procedure, safety committees, seniority language, training, and performance evaluations.
There's a lot of work to do, and securing a fair contract is a first step to give workers peace of mind as they continue to struggle for a better workplace and community. We'll keep you updated on bargaining and how you can help.
TWSD employees are planning a Barbeque on March 18 to welcome their union to the community.
Background
On Wednesday, December 21 the board of directors of the Timberon, New Mexico Water and Sanitation District voluntarily recognized CWA as the representative for its employees, after 7 of 8 employees signed a petition. At a committee meeting 7 employees prepared a statement and elected spokes people. At the board meeting, all 8 employees wore "CWA Yes!" stickers. Retired CWA member, B.F. Adams, who worked 27 years with Southwestern Bell in Laporte, TX spoke in favor of CWA, which helped influence the board.
