Unionization possible for county jail staff

Correctional officers could become the first and only group of Jefferson County employees to form a collective bargaining unit.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 61 filed a petition with the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board Oct. 14 to first establish an appropriate bargaining unit and second hold an election to determine if that unit should be represented by AFSCME.

According to Jefferson County Attorney Tim Dille, AFSCME and the county have agreed the unit may include all correctional officers and sergeant/shift supervisors assigned to the jail, but will exclude the jail administrator and assistant jail administrator. Jefferson County currently employs 16 correctional officers.

At this point in the process, the public has until Dec. 3 to file objections specifically related to the bargaining unit. If no objections are received, PERB will order that an election be conducted.

For the full story, read the Nov. 24, 2010, printed edition of The Fairfield Ledger.