Lakeland Vote a Temporary Setback

November 16 , 2005

A slim majority of Lakeland municipal utility employees declined to be represented by the IBEW on Nov. 15, following an apparently-successful effort by the city to turn them away from the union.

The 166-146 vote means by law, the workers cannot call for another secret ballot election for one year.

“We only seek fairness in the workplace and to ensure the employees get a fair shake,” said IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill. “We know many of the Lakeland workers are disappointed with the outcome of the election and want them to know we stand by them. We thank them for their support and will continue to communicate with them.”

Due to various reasons such as scheduled vacations, 48 workers did not participate in the balloting.