Thousands of Harris County, Texas, employees will soon have a formal voice in the workplace under a new consultation policy sought by AFSCME and adopted by the county government this week. It is the first such policy adopted by a county in Texas. Harris County is the third most populous county in the nation, and the largest in Texas.
The consultation policy, which takes effect in October, is the first ever in a Texas county and provides a clear and structured way for county employees to raise workplace concerns and help shape workplace policies.
“By listening to more team members, you encourage solutions, collaboration, and more efficiency — I see it every day with my crew. Consultation has the power to support workers, management, and Harris County residents alike,” said Leonard Washington, a foreman in the county’s Roads and Bridges Division and a member of the Harris County Workers’ Union.
The new policy was the result of members of AFSCME who came together to fight for a stronger voice for county workers on the job, strengthen trust between workers and management, and deliver better quality public services for the people of Harris County.
Under the policy, a consultation agent — a labor organization selected by county employees — will play two key roles in elevating workers’ voice. First and foremost, the consultation agent and employees it appoints will participate in a consultation team with management that will meet monthly to propose changes to county personnel policies that the county government could adopt. Second, the consultation agent will provide enhanced representation to county employees who want it in the grievance process.
While these county employees lack collective bargaining rights under state law, consultation policies like this one provide them a real voice and seat at the table. AFSCME has also succeeded in pursuing successful consultation policies in other Texas cities where collective bargaining is banned, and this growing chorus of victories shows that AFSCME members are gaining power and public support across the state.