Lab will recognize union

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory reached an agreement with labor organizers Thursday to recognize a bargaining unit that includes 170 skilled crafts workers such as plumbers and mechanics.

In return, the Society of Professionals, Scientists and Engineers, which led the unionization campaign, agreed to drop two unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board and one internal grievance.

"We're jubilant," said lab computer scientist Jim Wolford, a leader of the organizing effort. "We were looking at a rather protracted struggle."

Just prior to a changeover in management of the lab Oct. 1 from the University of California to Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC, the skilled crafts unit was approved by the California Public Employment Relations Board.

But the new manager refused to recognize the unit and pushed to move the matter to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees labor issues at private companies.

The national board requires a one-day election for employees to choose to be represented by the union or not, which is usually a higher hurdle to clear than the signature collection allowed by California board.

In response, organizers filed an unfair labor practice charge with the national board.

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