The local bargaining unit representing many public works employees in Fort Dodge was recently decertified.
According to the Iowa Employment Appeal Board, a recent recertification vote came up short. In 2017, State law was changed requiring retention and recertification elections pursuant to Iowa Code section 20.15(2). As a result, the Board found that a majority of the employees in the bargaining unit did not vote in favor of retaining and recertifying AFSCME as the exclusive bargaining representative of the bargaining unit.
The vote failed by a very slim margin. 41 Employees were deemed eligible to vote. 20 voted to recertify, while 6 voted to disband. Those who chose not to vote are counted as ‘no’ votes.
According to a memo from Jamie Anderson, Human Resource Director for Fort Dodge, management met with affected employees over the last couple weeks to explain the decertification process, discuss the transition to non-union benefits, and answer questions.
The decertification includes job classifications, such as laborers, maintenance workers, water meter servicers, assistant superintendents, traffic safety maintenance workers, and parking meter employees.
The City Council will consider a continuation of benefits at their next meeting through December 31st, 2025 and a transition to the non-union benefits outlined in the Employee Handbook effective January 1st, 2026.
