March 16, 2006
Idaho Workers Vote IAM Yes
The Western Territory is excited to welcome 219 technicians from Bechtel Bettis in Idaho Falls, who voted overwhelmingly (132 YES and 71 NO) to join the IAM. The vote was conducted over a two day period, due to the multiple work schedules to which they are assigned. The workers are located at the Nuclear Reactor Facility inside the 85,000 acre Idaho National Laboratory owned by the Department of Energy. GLR Mike Wardle headed up the successful campaign, and said "these workers are ready to get a contract that will allow them to have a say in their work lives. They rotate between days and nights, sometimes in the same week! They never know when they will get to enjoy their families, and they are determined to get a contract that will allow them to lead a normal life."
GVP Pearson said, "This is a great win for the IAM. These are highly skilled workers who deserve the respect that a quality IAM contract can deliver. I am very proud of Mike Wardle, and all of the people who came out to help make this happen. this shows what we can do when all pull together. We have a great service to deliver, and great people to deliver it. These new sisters and brothers are now part of our family, and we look forward to delivering a contract that meets their needs."
Pictured Left to Right
GLR Mike Wardle with in-plant team members Brett VanOrden,
Linda Brown, Dave Butikofer, and GLR James “Bud” Michel
GVP Pearson assigned several western territory staff to come in and help brother Wardle. GLR Bud Michel, who had met with the workers several years ago, came in to help brother Wardle coordinate the campaign. The "Vote Yes" housecalling was supported by staff from the western territory, GLRs Charles Toby, Paula Ross and Rod Weigand, Education Rep. Marie Box and Communications Rep. Kevin Cummings. In addition, we received tremendous support from District 24, which sent Britt Cornman and Joe Estes, District 160 was represented by Dan Morgan and Bernie Phillips, District 751 sent Heather Barstow, Local 568 had Al Chacon and Richard Lee come out to help us. A great job was done by all, as evidenced by the tremendous win.
