Security election update

By Sam Fran Scavuzzo
Collegian Editor
October 3, 2007

Despite the fact that a recent election yielded a negative vote on the question of a union for University Security guards, division still exists among the force.

“Ever since [the union process began] we’ve been divided as a force,” Tony Winbush, the Security representative from 3-11 p.m. shift, said.

On Sept. 12 La Salle conducted a National Labor Relations Board certified election, where Security guards rejected a call for a union by a vote of 22 to 28. Reasons for holding the election included changes to the holiday work policy, distribution of compensation days, the presence and usage of Allied Barton bike force, pay wages for certain positions as well as others, according to several Security guards.

Winbush initiated the action when he filed a petition in response to a change in policy for working holiday hours. Previously, Security guards received time and a half as well as a compensation day. This policy changed to only straight pay and the removal of the extra day.

Working for Security since August 2003, Winbush did not push for a union. The push for a union did not begin until new workers came in.

One such worker, Richard Harris, wanted a union to protect the guards.

“We are here during holidays when other workers are at home…Why not have a union to oversee the things we are being promised?” Harris said.

A request was filed by officers and an election soon followed. After the election, some guards expressed dissatisfaction with results.

A pro-union guard who, in wishing to remain anonymous, identified himself only as Top Flight Security of the World. He questioned why management wouldn’t want a union if they have the force’s interest at heart.

Top Flight said he felt something changed people’s minds and pointed out the difference in voting was only six. He alleged that knowledge of the issue was not in-depth enough, specifically concerning payment of union dues, how grievances were made to local unions and availability of health care. He also said that he wished to have a written contract from Security management, which is something a union would accomplish.

“People aren’t stupid because they voted for or against [the union],” he said. “People are stupid because they didn’t make educated decisions.”

Although he did not address specific complaints, Art Grover, director of safety and security, gave this statement to Collegian: “There may be some officers who are not happy with their peers’ vote…I do not believe that it is appropriate for me to respond to these individuals who are attempting to start another union campaign by raising issues, whether real or not, through Collegian. The majority of our officers voted in favor of management’s approach to addressing legitimate concerns. We have moved on.”

In offering his view, Winbush was more specific. He questioned the need for a written contract and discounted accusations made about Security management.

“[Security] is writing things down in black and white in the form of memos. If it’s written down for us, how can they go against it?” Winbush said. “Mr. Grover has an open-door policy. He is sincere. He deserves a chance.”

Security guard Ron Hand, a member of the force since January 1997, felt that some members of Security speaking out against Security management were doing so for personal reasons. He went on to express his desire that the Security force stop bickering and work together.

Since the election, changes have taken place. According to Winbush, Hand and Top Flight a memo was released regarding the real possibility of restoring time and a half and compensation days for holiday work.

“[Grover] has admitted to me that he has made mistakes. It takes a lot from man to say that,” Winbush said. “He wants a better place.”

Additionally, Security recently initiated peer group meetings where management takes suggestions from the guards. The implementation of a third shuttle bus originated in this forum, according to Winbush.

Because of the changes made Hand said he believes better qualified applicants will be applying for Security jobs in the future.

By law, a vote on another union cannot take place for another year. Hand said because of this, people voting in the minority should “let it rest.” He went on to say that it would be more appropriate to look into the option in six months, if some guards still presented valid gripes.

Whatever disagreements Security may have internally, Winbush wants students to know they are still safe.

“We can’t get there overnight, but we are moving in the right direction,” he said, “Safety will not be affected.”

scavuzzos1@lasalle.edu