Union Drive Makes Gains at Walter Reed Hospital
Labor Desk
May 31, 2007
Representatives of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 99, have filed a petition for a Union election with National Labor Relations Board, on behalf of the more than 100 Department of Public Works employees at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). The Public Works employees at Walter Reed work under a Government contract for IAP Worldwide Services. a private company based in Cape Canaveral, FL. In addition to filing for an election, Local 99 has called on IAP Worldwide Services to voluntarily recognize the union, as a majority of workers have signed authorization cards designating Local 99 as their bargaining representative.
Until earlier this year, facilities management at WRAMC; everything from boiler operation and plumbing to grounds and transportation were handled by government employees. In February, IAP Worldwide Services was given the exclusive facilities management contract at WRAMC. Unfortunately, IAP Worldwide Services inherited a badly deteriorating facility; years of neglect have rendered many of its buildings unusable. As the word of WRAMCs conditions made front page headlines, politicians and management scrambled to assess blame. Caught in the crossfire have been the public works employees who labor hard to keep this important medical facility operating. This is where Local 99, can make a difference:
Organizing the Public Works employees at the Walter Reed Medical Center will give them important protections, a chance to advocate for better wages, health and welfare benefits and voice on the job — its what this union is all about,” said Mike Murphy, Business Manager of IUOE Local 99
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 99 represents nearly 3000 Stationary Engineers and skilled maintenance workers in the Washington Metropolitan area, our members work in hotels, office building, universities, government facilities and area military bases. Formed in 1902, Local 99 is one of the Washington areas oldest, and fastest growing Labor Unions.
Until earlier this year, facilities management at WRAMC; everything from boiler operation and plumbing to grounds and transportation were handled by government employees. In February, IAP Worldwide Services was given the exclusive facilities management contract at WRAMC. Unfortunately, IAP Worldwide Services inherited a badly deteriorating facility; years of neglect have rendered many of its buildings unusable. As the word of WRAMCs conditions made front page headlines, politicians and management scrambled to assess blame. Caught in the crossfire have been the public works employees who labor hard to keep this important medical facility operating. This is where Local 99, can make a difference:
Organizing the Public Works employees at the Walter Reed Medical Center will give them important protections, a chance to advocate for better wages, health and welfare benefits and voice on the job — its what this union is all about,” said Mike Murphy, Business Manager of IUOE Local 99
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 99 represents nearly 3000 Stationary Engineers and skilled maintenance workers in the Washington Metropolitan area, our members work in hotels, office building, universities, government facilities and area military bases. Formed in 1902, Local 99 is one of the Washington areas oldest, and fastest growing Labor Unions.
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