Labor unions clear EC school hurdle

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

EAST CHICAGO — The East Chicago School Board cleared the way Tuesday for two unions to represent workers in the school system.

Raucous applause and cheers from the audience rang out when the board, without dissent, announced that it had decided to move forward with the unionization process that was sought by Service Employees International Union, Local 73, and Teamsters Local 142.

SEIU Local 73 will represent paraprofessionals and clerical staff in the School City of East Chicago, while Teamsters Local 142 will negotiate for bus drivers and transportation aides.

Ken Mobley, a bus aide, was one of the elated employees in attendance at the Board of School Trustees meeting at Washington Elementary School in East Chicago.

“We’re very happy that they’re finally going to recognize us,” Mobley, 60, said.

Mobley also said he and his workforce peers had wanted union representation “so we can have benefits.”

He now feels having the Teamsters as a tool for collective bargaining will help garner “respect from our bosses.”

Mobley likewise noted he has not had a raise in several years.

Chicago-based attorney Paul T. Berkowitz, representing Local 142, told the school board that it had made “a noble decision” in recognizing SEIU and the Teamsters.

Berkowitz said the board’s approval of bargaining activities by the two labor organizations would be put in resolution form. Adoption of that measure is seen as a formality.

According to a news release from the SEIU, a Teamsters representative has, on several occasions, petitioned the school board to recognize the union wishes of bus drivers and transportation aides.

Matt Brandon, secretary-treasurer of SEIU Local 73, congratulated the school board for not bowing to anti-union pressure.

“It takes strength and leadership,” Brandon said. “You’ve met that challenge.”

The SEIU, in a news release, cited “the long history of union support within the city” of East Chicago.

“Hear Our Voice” was the rallying cry of school system employees seeking union representation.

The same news release also noted that the East Chicago Federation of Teachers is currently seeking a contract extension.

Contact Bob Kostanczuk at 648-3144.