Public Case No. R 1976-016
(Cross Reference R 1979-025)International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 453 v.
City Utilities, City of Springfield, Missouri
IBEW filed a petition for Plant Clerical, Laboratory Technicians, and Janitorial employees of the outlying locations, but excluding the main office. The requested unit consisted of approximately 30 employees. The respondent argued that all employees within the Departments of Water and Transportation should be excluded because they lacked a community of interest with the other employees. Furthermore, respondent argued that they should be excluded because the majority of the employees in each department are presently represented by other labor organizations. Respondent further contended that certain clerks in the Electric, Water, and Transportation Departments should be excluded as confidential employees.
The Board found that those employees petitioned for within the Electric and Gas Departments did share a community of interest and should be included. They noted the exchange between the departments and the fact that petitioner has historically represented employees in these departments. The Board found that the employees petitioned for in the Department of Transportation should be excluded. The Board noted that they are located in a separate installation, do not interact with other employees, and do not perform similar duties.
The Board also excluded the position of Clerk within the Water Department because historically the Laborers’ Union had represented all employees within that department.
Finally, the Board declined to exclude the Clerk in the Electric Department as confidential. They noted that to be considered confidential they must have access to general labor relations materials as a part of their duties, not merely limited accessibility and occasional filing.
Date Issued:November 15, 1977