For Immediate Release
Friday, May 18, 2001
PEAK Lauds Governor on Executive Order
Agreement gives state workers right to choose union representation
Louisville, KY —The Public Employees Alliance of Kentucky (PEAK), an organization made up of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the United Auto Workers (UAW), and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, today applauded Governor Paul E. Patton following the signing of an executive order establishing a Governor's Employee Advisory Council.
For the past three years, the three internationally respected unions have been meeting with Governor Patton to craft appropriate language to ultimately give Kentucky's 30,000 state employees a say in wages, benefits and working conditions. Under the executive order, the workers now have the ability to select a union so they can join with their co-workers to negotiate workplace improvements and ensure continued progress in the quality of services provided to Kentucky citizens.
"This is a big victory for state employees," said Mary Hentges, a corrections officer with the Kentucky State Reformatory. "We now have an opportunity to make our workplace better with collective bargaining. I am looking forward to working with my co-workers to make our state the best place to live and work. This is a great day."
Carolyn Klinglesmith, Kentucky organizing director for AFSCME, which represents 1.3 million public service workers around the country, said this is an historic day for workers. "For over 60 years, AFSCME has fought for the rights of public service workers and we are pleased that state workers in Kentucky will have a voice in the workplace. We applaud Gov. Patton on this bold move. His decision will be a win-win for the state and for workers who will now have a say in their pay, health benefits and matters that involve their working conditions."
"The governor is doing the right thing," said Rocky Comito, president of UAW Local 862 in Louisville. "All workers should have a right to join a union whether they're in the public or private sector. State workers in Michigan and Indiana are UAW members and they now have good benefits and pay which translates into quality service for taxpayers. Our local union is going to work closely with AFSCME and the Teamsters to do everything we can to support Kentucky state workers so they can win the benefits they deserve."
Jerry Vincent with Kentucky Teamsters, echoed Mr. Comito's sentiments.
"State workers will finally have the recognition they deserve," said Mr. Vincent. "We thank the governor. Today is a great day."
Following today's order, AFSCME, the UAW and Teamsters will launch an initiative to help workers understand how unions can give state workers a voice in the workplace and create successful partnerships for state government, state employees, and Kentucky citizens.
