Union representing state employees expanding coverage

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 | 9:25 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- A union that represents 3,350 state government workers hopes to increase its membership roll by expanding its representation of local government employees.

The State of Nevada Employees Association announced Friday it had secured the required signatures to represent the administrative workers in Storey County in bargaining for salaries, benefits, grievance procedures and other items.

"We're looking to branch out into Washoe County and the city of Las Vegas," said Dennis Mallory, lead organizer for the association that is affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

He said the administrative employees in the city of Reno and Clark County already have union representation from another group.

The association represents only 3,350 of the 12,000 state employees. It represents the 32 employees in West Wendover and the six workers of the Lovelock Water District.

Mallory and Bob Romer of the association said they have secured signatures from 18 of the 22 administrative employees in Storey County. Mallory said the workers want to "keep the protections they have" in view of the poor economy in the county.

The firefighters and sheriff's deputies in Storey County have representation from other unions.