A group of 17 employees with the Monroe County Central Emergency Dispatch Center have filed a notice of intent to unionize with the office of Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton.
The workers are asking the city to recognize their Communications Workers of America chapter and coordinate with them on improving work conditions, according to a notice the group presented to the mayor’s office.
“We are proud of the work we do and take joy in the help we provide; however, change is necessary for the well-being of dispatchers and the aims of our organization,” the notice states.
The group’s goals include the following:
- Recognition from the city as first responders
- Increased fairness and diversity in the dispatch center
- A more robust pay scale
- Reliable and consistent scheduling
- An avenue for feedback and negotiation with the City of Bloomington
“We hold that improvement in these areas will increase longevity, decrease worker burnout, and attract new talent to the dispatch center. A happy, healthy, and fully staffed dispatch center is a benefit to all of Bloomington’s residents and visitors,” the notice states.
The city also received a letter from a CWA District 4 representative asking to begin negotiations.
“The employees and CWA believe that we share the same vision of the community, worker’s rights, diversity, equality and inclusion as the leadership of the City of Bloomington,” the letter states.
According to the letter, employees have already signed authorization and membership cards with CWA.
The group has requested a response from the city by Jan. 27.
Monroe County dispatch is overseen by the Dispatch Policy Board, which will need to review the notice, according to Andrew Krebbs, communications director for the mayor’s office.
“We look forward to discussions with the MCCDC members, the Dispatch Policy Board and our dispatch Partner Monroe County Govt.,” Krebbs said in a statement.
