Hinsdale Public Works employees seeking union representation

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:04AM

Public Works employees in Hinsdale are in the process of becoming part of a union for the first time.

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 announced it has filed petitions on behalf of the employees of both Hinsdale and Burr Ridge to serve as both groups’ exclusive bargaining representative.

The petition for Hinsdale Public Works, a group of 20 employees, was filed with the Illinois State Labor Relations Board on Jan. 10. Local 150 filed the petition for the 10 employees of Burr Ridge Public Works on Jan. 6.

The board must review the petitions before it certifies Local 150 as exclusive bargaining agent, at which time the union will commence negotiations with both municipalities. Local 150 anticipates a response from the board by mid-February.

“We are excited to begin working toward a first contract for these workers,” said James M. Sweeney, president-business manager of Local 150. “They are proud, skilled workers, and I am happy to welcome them to our local union.”

Edward Maher, a spokesman for the union, said the first contract will set basic work rules. He also said Hinsdale Public Works employees don’t want to comment about why they decided to seek union representation at this time.

Hinsdale Village Manager Dave Cook said village officials were aware the employees had decided to seek representation of the union.

“At this point we will follow the processes established by the Illinois Labor Relations Board and see where the processes take us,” Cook said

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 represents approximately 23,000 workers in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa; including about 3,000 workers employed by municipal public works departments.