Unions battling for state employees (SEIU vs AFSCME)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/119118

June 21, 2008 - 11:23PM

Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services

It can’t negotiate salaries. And it won’t defend every worker accused of wrongdoing. But a major national union is trying to persuade state employees to sign up as members — and give up 1.25 percent of their wages.

In making the push, Service Employees International Union is trying to displace the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which has represented state workers for years. Scott Washburn, SEIU’s state director, said he believes his organization can do a better job.

That has provoked an angry reaction from AFSCME lobbyist Roman Ulman.

He said SEIU does a good job of organizing, getting workers to sign up — and sign over a portion of their paychecks.

“But when it comes to representation,” it stinks, Ulman said.

Washburn said there is a small bit of truth in Ulman’s accusation.

FULL story at link.