GUILDERLAND — A group of Guilderland town highway workers has formally requested voluntary recognition of their intent to unionize with the Civil Service Employees Association, according to a statement released by CSEA.
The request, submitted to town management on Tuesday, April 8, represents 43 employees, including Operators, Laborers, and Mechanics, with the possibility of additional titles joining the proposed bargaining unit.
Organizers said a majority of eligible workers signed authorization cards in support of union representation. CSEA, if certified, would serve as the exclusive bargaining representative for the group. Employees cited the desire for workplace fairness, consistent training, and a stronger voice in department decisions as key reasons for organizing.
“I was shocked to hear all the different reasons the guys want a union — personal reasons, seniority rights, more money and reasonable insurance,” said Todd Hubbard, an Operator 3. “We want a contract with guarantees, fairness and a voice in determining how we can use our paid time off and to restructure our pay scale.”
Colleagues echoed similar sentiments, citing safe working conditions, equitable treatment, and clear workplace policies as motivating factors. “Forming our union is in the Town’s best interest for multiple reasons,” said Laborer Johnathan Boyer. “Operating this way is not sustainable or safe.”
The Civil Service Employees Association is one of the largest public employee unions in New York, representing approximately 250,000 members across state and local governments, school districts, and the private sector.
