GAO analysts vote for union representation

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Analysts at the Government Accountability Office voted Wednesday to unionize, marking a first in the watchdog agency's 86-year history.

The analysts backed union representation from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers by a vote of 897-445. More than 74 percent of the 1,800 eligible analysts at headquarters and field offices participated.

"This is a great and historic day for GAO," said Robert Kershaw, a senior analyst who voted in favor of the union. "We need to restructure the incentives in this agency so that the talents and gifts of each employee are utilized to the maximum."

Comptroller General David M. Walker on Thursday praised the level of employee turnout. "GAO management will bargain in good faith," he said.
GAO's union will be an IFPTE local, and bargaining unit employees will now move forward to elect a council, write a constitution and determine bargaining priorities. The local can then sit down with management and negotiate a first contract.

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