Residents, union representatives urge Georgetown council to recognize electric-utility workers

Multiple members of organized labor urged the Georgetown Village Council on Tuesday to support recognition of electric-utility employees by a labor union.

"A yes vote sends a clear message that this council values its workers, believes in fairness, and stands with the residents who depend on these services," said Zachary Kirk, who identified himself and spoke in favor of the employees' request for recognition. He described the vote as about respect, safety and keeping skilled jobs local.

Other commenters offered personal testimony backing union representation. "I firmly believe in union labor," said Kyle McMahon, identifying himself as an executive board member of a local union. Matt Dugan and Jerry Cooper, who said he is the collector superintendent, also asked the council to recognize the workers rather than view the move as confrontational. Retired steelworker Carl Vineyard urged the council not to fear bargaining, describing collective bargaining as a framework that sets expectations for both sides.

The mayor thanked the speakers and said the council understood the electric department's interest in union affiliation. Council members did not take a vote on recognition at the meeting. The mayor said that any formal action on the matter would have to be taken by the council at a future meeting if they chose to proceed and that employees could also seek other processes available under state law.

The public-comment period on this topic included multiple speakers from local union organizations who emphasized safety, routine working conditions and community benefits such as support for local events. The council did not adopt a policy or resolution during the meeting; speakers asked the body to consider voluntary recognition or to direct staff to outline options for council review.

The council moved on to other agenda items after public comment concluded.