Greenbelt council adopts charter amendment allowing Public Works employees to unionize

Greenbelt — The City Council voted to amend the city charter to authorize collective bargaining by designated representatives of non‑managerial Public Works employees, following a required public hearing and public comments in support and opposition. The roll‑call vote recorded all members present in favor and the measure carried.

The amendment (identified in discussion as resolution 21 24) changes the second sentence of the charter’s powers section to authorize recognition of "designated representatives of non‑managerial department of public works employees." City staff and legal counsel said the measure is enabling language: it allows employees to organize but does not itself select representatives or set bargaining terms. City manager Sam Rong told the council the city will begin code changes and prepare a third‑party process to conduct any employee vote during the 45‑day period before the amendment takes effect.

Why it matters: supporters said the amendment responds to a clear request from Public Works employees seeking better benefits, parity and protections from retaliation; opponents and some council members said the charter language should have addressed all municipal employees at once to avoid piecemeal changes. At the public hearing, Trent Warby, speaking on behalf of Public Works staff, read statements from long‑service employees saying a union would provide a formal voice and recourse. Resident Brian Ottens urged the council to slow the process, saying notice and document availability had been insufficient for informed public input.

Council discussion focused on scope and timing. City legal staff and council members said the council deliberately bifurcated the issue: move now for Public Works employees who requested action, and schedule a separate work session to consider a broader charter amendment covering other employee groups. A work session with a closed legal consultation was scheduled for Jan. 21 and staff said a follow‑up discussion on inclusive language will occur soon.

The vote and next steps: The clerk recorded ayes from the members present and the ordinance carried. Staff said the amendment triggers a 45‑day waiting period during which the city will organize a third‑party vote (by methods to be discussed, such as secret ballot or card‑check) for eligible Public Works employees; the city manager said the draft city‑code changes to implement the process will be provided for council review. The council also noted the city will revisit whether to expand the charter to cover additional employee classes.

The council adjourned the public hearing and returned to other business after the vote; written public comments will remain part of the record.