Dispatchers file for union

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2007/10/19/news/news05.txt

Posted: Friday, Oct 19, 2007 - 11:45:09 am CDT
By Rasmieyh Abdelnabi
Daily News staff writer

Yet one employee wants out already
South Beloit's police dispatchers have filed for union, following in the footsteps of the city's police officers and sergeants.

In a letter from Illinois Labor Relations Board dated Oct. 11, the city was informed the two dispatchers/clerical workers filed a majority interest petition to be represented by Teamsters, Local 325.

South Beloit Police Department dispatchers are Cindy King and Wanda Weston-Johnson.

King declined to discuss her decision to file for union, but did say she wanted out. She would not explain her comment. Weston-Johnson did not wish to comment.

South Beloit Mayor Randy Kirichkow said he isn't surprised by the news. He said city employees have been complaining for quite some time about comparable wages and benefits. Kirichkow said he has spoken to both King and Weston-Johnson and explained they aren't filing for union to get more money, but rather for job security.

Aside from police officers and firefighters, city workers are “at will employees,” which means their jobs can be eliminated or they can be terminated by the city council.

FULL story at link.