Milwaukee, WI – Workers at Pathfinders, a nonprofit servicing homeless youth in Milwaukee, voted 26 – 9 in favor of unionization with Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39.
An election was held on September 3rd on whether to be represented by OPEIU, but ballots were counted on September 18th at the Milwaukee office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to allow for remote workers to return their ballots by mail. The union at Pathfinders now represents approximately 50 workers at the nonprofit.
Jj Burch, a Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager said, “Pathfinders shows up for the community every day and today they showed up for each other. Hopefully management will follow suit in the negotiation process.”
“I’m happy that through a collective and democratic process we were able to show management that an overwhelming majority of Pathfinders employees are committed to union representation,” said Michael Clouthier, a worker in the administration building.
Rachel Janiak, who works in Street Outreach, added, “The workers of Pathfinders continue to show up and support one another day after day. Now that our union has officially been recognized, it is time for Pathfinders management to show their support for their workers. I am excited to see what our future holds as we move forward into contract negotiations and bargaining, as together we can make Pathfinders stronger.”
In the lead-up to the election, Pathfinders challenged the eligibility of nearly a dozen workers to be represented by the union. “The employer disenfranchised workers who want to be part of this union,” said Andy Sernatinger, Business Representative for OPEIU Local 39. “Backup workers and care coordinators who are in favor of the Union didn’t have their ballots counted because Pathfinders wants them excluded.” Disputed positions will be resolved post-election either through agreement or a hearing.
“I feel proud of us as a collective and excited for the next steps,” said Megan Gulland, a shelter worker. “I hope that management drops the challenges against the Back-up positions and the Lead Care Coordinator so that we can start bargaining on good terms.”
