Hospital Workers, Bus Drivers, Admin. Managers, Printers Join CWA

In separate organizing victories in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio, more than 860 workers gained CWA representation in March and April.

Earlier this week, 303 service employees at St. Joseph Hospital near Buffalo voted for CWA Local 1168 representation by a 123-103 margin. Negotiations will get underway immediately, the local also represents registered nurses at the hospital.

Ron Hosinski and Elaine Lopez from Local 1168 led the workers' campaign, assisted by Locals 1122 and 1133 and District 1 Staff Rep Debbie Hayes. District 4 Organizing Coordinator Jeff Lacher also assisted in the campaign. AFA-CWA member Michelle Quintus, a United Airlines flight attendant, provided tremendous assistance in the final weeks of the campaign.

In New York City, CWA Local 1180 was recently certified as the bargaining representative for more than 400 Administrative Managers who work for agencies through the city government. Over the past three years, the local has won representation for more than 1,700 city employees, said Local President Arthur Cheliotes.

In Somerset, New Jersey, 160 school bus drivers for the county's school system joined CWA Local 1040 through majority sign up. Thanks to an energized inside organizing committee, the workers gathered more than 140 signatures within two weeks. District 1 organizers Connie English and Chris Young worked on the campaign, with the help of rank and file organizer Walter Mayes.

In Youngstown, Ohio, all employees at the Print Factory gained CWA representation through voluntary recognition, joining Erie Mailers Local M128/CWA Local 14840, said Printing Sector Staff Representative Dan Wasser. Everyone at the shop, including the owner, recognized the value of a union voice and having a CWA label in the printing industry. The workers recently signed a new, three-year contract with the owner.