LAS VEGAS – March is Women’s History Month, and right now, thousands of women who work for the State of Nevada are getting ready to make history.
On Tuesday, the administrative and clerical workers — a large majority of whom are women — filed to hold an election to vote for their new union with AFSCME Local 4041.
Across Nevada, these workers have been organizing for months, talking to their co-workers and building union power. Their hard work has brought them one step closer to winning a union contract and the freedom that comes with fair wages, benefits and working conditions.
The fact that the filing happened during Women’s History Month brings added meaning to this organizing campaign.
“Women are moving up in the world, but you can still see in some cases, people don’t take women seriously. And we have a lot to offer,” said Melanie Frame, an administrative assistant at the Nevada Department of Social Services.
The state’s administrative and clerical staff help dozens of agencies run smoothly and efficiently. The crucial work they perform ensures communities in every part of Nevada receive quality public services they need to thrive.
Once they vote “yes” for their new union, they will fight for a first contract that increases wages, lowers the cost of state health benefits, boosts recruitment and retention, and gives equitable paid time off.
For this mostly female bargaining unit, the freedom that comes with a fair union contract will help clerical and administrative workers provide for their families and keep their communities moving forward. And it will help future generations of public service workers.
“I’m hoping I can stand up and do good for someone who's coming up through the ranks,” Frame said.
The Employee Management Relations Board must verify the union cards that these workers filed on Tuesday and will set an election date.
The administrative and clerical employees in Nevada’s Bargaining Unit B are eager to join their fellow state workers who have recently formed their union with AFSCME. Workers in Unit C — Technical voted for their union with Local 4041 less than two years ago.
Since winning collective bargaining rights in 2019, AFSCME members have secured wage increases of over 32%, four annual personal days, bilingual pay, a fairer grievance process and other lasting improvements.