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2017-20-Minutes for Meeting December 09,1982 Recorded 2/23/2017DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS r} 2017,20 NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK Cil COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL. 02/23/2017 09:37:06 AM 1111111111111111 2017-20 1 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners Bend, Oregon DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Audio Cassette Recording Titled: Press Conference regarding the Establishment of a Union for Deschutes County Employees. December 9, 1982, 10:25-11:35 AM. A meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was held on December 9, 1982. Commissioners present were Albert Young, Robert Paulsen and Clay Shepard; also present were County Counsel Rick Isham, County Administrator Mike Maier, and representatives of the media. The speaker (representing union efforts) indicated that many have asked if the election would be challenged, and they will not do this. They feel there is considerable grounds for a challenge, but want to put the past two elections behind them and move on. The main reason of this meeting is to let the Board know how they will continue to support those employees who have wanted a union at Deschutes County. Next week, they will set up a Local for County employees, to explain to those who are interested in union representation that they can enjoy full membership rights, the same as the other 300+ that are already represented in this area. This will include Transcription of Audio Recording of Press Conference, December 9, 1982 Page 1 of 3 representation in personnel matters, with a shop steward system, delegates to conferences, and there will be a political action organizing effort on their part. While they are disappointed by the results of the election, they are not dismayed. When you have an anti -union management in an area where there is not much union representation, it very often takes three or more elections for this to happen. This is an educational process to let people know what union representation can gain for them. They will continue with this process, and fully expect to have another election next year. Mr. Shepard asked why there is an effort to organize. Most of the support seems to be in the Road Department. This is the fourth election and it always comes out essentially the same. He asked why they don't just organize the Road Department. The man responded that this is a good question. A few years ago, they tried to split off the Road Department, but the Employment Relations Board would not allow this. There is nothing in the ERB's recent decisions that leads them to believe this might happen. The Sheriff is a law enforcement agency and has binding arbitration without the legal right to strike. The Courthouse employees have not been very supportive, but for a lot of these employees it is a matter of trying to separate out the emotion of the issue from the facts. This is part of the reason for setting up a local organization. Often things get exaggerated. If they can run a local union and properly educate all, people will have a better picture of what a union can do for them. They feel there is a large number of employees who want a union. At some point this should mean a majority wants to collectively bargain for wages, hours and working conditions. A question was asked: Given the failure of the election, why not educate first. The man responded that they wish they had. Now they will. Sometimes this is overlooked. Transcription of Audio Recording of Press Conference, December 9, 1982 Page 2 of 3 Discussion was held on requirements for education and another election. This would be the fourth group represented by OPEU in this area. They already represent State employees, the City of Bend and COIC. He said they think that the bizarre incidences that surrounded this election made it difficult to ascertain which way people would have gone. There were missing ballots and other issues. There started to be more focus on who stole the ballots, and why. When that starts happening, it detracts from the real issues. They would expect there could be from 30 to 80 employees as part of the union. The dues would be the same as for the others in the State, between $4.50 and $15 a month on a progressive scale, depending on part or full time basis and salary. A question was asked if there are grounds to challenge this election. The man responded there are quite a few things, but they would not know until a decision is issued. At this time, it is better to put the whole thing behind them and start out fresh. Some of the issues were supposedly missing or stolen ballots and why the election got so fouled up. Members would get full support in all personnel matters, including full legal representation. There would be a shop steward system. There would be delegates to conventions and conferences. There would be help with doing local political organizing, which would result in better working conditions. The ERB decides who is in and who is out, and who can join. ORS determines who can bargain. End of press conference. I certify that the above is a true and accurate record of meeting, as reproduced from a cassette tape identified as Minutes of a Press Conference for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners' meeting held on December 9, 1982. This record was completed subsequent to the presiding Deschutes County Board of Commissioners' tenure. Bonnie Baker For the Board of County Commissioners Transcription of Audio Recording of Press Conference, December 9, 1982 Page 3 of 3