University workers vote to join union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.lcsun-news.com/news/ci_5814416

University workers vote to join union
By Bryan Kirk Sun-News reporter
Article Launched: 05/04/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT

LAS CRUCES — Supporters and members of New Mexico State University's first organized union celebrated Thursday night after workers voted 492-15 in support of a three-year collective bargaining agreement.

They are known as members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and for the first time in a long time, they said they felt like the playing field was even.

Inside the Moose Lodge, labor union organizer Charles Harster shook hands with employees and the handful of NMSU students who'd helped in the process.

The movement to create AFSCME Local 2393 began nearly three years ago as a way to help nonexempt employees — hourly employees — to earn a fair wage and lower insurance costs.

FULL story at link.