More than 3,500 state workers in Nevada will form a union through AFSCME Local 4041 after a successful organizing effort and a strong, decisive union vote this week.
"I am proud of my co-workers for coming together to organize our union. As admin assistants, we are the backbone of our offices — nothing happens without us. And we deserve the dignity and respect that comes with having a unified voice on the job,” said Maria Behic, an administrative assistant at the Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center in Las Vegas. “We look forward to joining our AFSCME family in building our power in the workplace.”
State employees in the new bargaining unit B include administrative assistants in all state agencies, departments, state colleges and universities, as well as other assistants, clerks and clerical staff. And most of them are women. The vote count was 91% in favor of AFSCME as exclusive representative.
Workers in bargaining unit B filed for their union election during Women’s History Month in March. They seek fair wages, good benefits and better working conditions that will help them support their families and serve their communities.
Once the Employee Management Relations Board certifies the election results, the state will have up to 60 days to begin contract negotiations. The workers will now begin forming their bargaining team to negotiate for pay raises, lower health care costs, come up with ways to improve staff recruitment and retention, and win more equitable paid time off policies.
Workers in bargaining unit B will join their colleagues in other state worker bargaining units who have also organized in recent years with AFSCME in Nevada.
Since winning collective bargaining rights in 2019, AFSCME members have secured wage increases, four annual personal days, bilingual pay, a fairer grievance process and other lasting improvements.