Nevada's Women State Workers File for Union Election During March

As March unfolds, marking Women's History Month, a significant number of women workers in Nevada are embarking on a transformative journey. These women, part of the administrative and clerical workforce for the State of Nevada, are poised to make a historical impact.

Recently, these workers initiated the process to conduct an election, aiming to establish a new union with AFSCME Local 4041. This move is the culmination of months of organizing and strategizing among colleagues, all aimed at enhancing their working conditions through a union contract.

The timing of this development, coinciding with Women's History Month, adds a layer of significance to their efforts. As Melanie Frame, an administrative assistant with the Nevada Department of Social Services, articulated, "Women are moving up in the world, but you can still see in some cases, people don’t take women seriously. And we have a lot to offer."

Administrative and clerical workers play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of numerous state agencies, directly impacting the quality of public services across Nevada. With a successful vote, these workers aim to negotiate a contract that promises fair wages, improved health benefits, enhanced recruitment and retention strategies, and equitable paid time off.

For this predominantly female workforce, securing a union contract signifies more than just improved work conditions. It represents a means to better support their families and sustain their communities, while also paving the way for future public service employees. Frame expressed her aspiration, stating, "I’m hoping I can stand up and do good for someone who's coming up through the ranks."

The upcoming steps involve the verification of the union cards by the Employee Management Relations Board, which will determine the election date. This initiative mirrors the recent successes of Nevada’s Bargaining Unit C, which joined AFSCME Local 4041 in a similar fashion less than two years ago.

Since gaining collective bargaining rights in 2019, members of AFSCME have achieved notable milestones, including wage increases exceeding 32%, the addition of annual personal days, bilingual pay, and the establishment of a more equitable grievance process. These accomplishments highlight the potential benefits awaiting Nevada’s administrative and clerical staff as they move toward unionization.