KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |Local union workers head to LA Capitol to rally lawmakers

Local union workers head to LA Capitol to rally lawmakers

By Liz Elan - bio | email

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - Dozens of state workers took the day off for a road trip to Baton Rouge in hopes to ensure they have a place to work come this summer. Members of The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union huddled up in the early Tuesday morning breeze behind LSU Hospital.

"I feel our job security is at stake," said union member Janice Priest.

Also known as the Local 2649 departed Shreveport to the state capitol just after 5am with the mission to stop lawmakers from revamping the civil services system bill in June. "I know changes need to be made, but do not revamp it by taking away our job protection," said Priest.

Janice Priest works in LSU's Biochemisty Department. She is scared lawmakers will take out a provision in the current bill that grants seniority for all state, county and municipal workers. "When you work somewhere for years, protection and seniority is something that a lot of people depend on," said Priest.

Union President Bobby Bradley says leaving layoffs up to supervisors could be dangerous. "When you take away seniority, letting the supervisors decide who they want to keep, that's not fair," said Bradley.

It's not change the employees are asking for.  This bus tour to Baton Rouge is an up close and personal approach to make sure everything stays the same.

"We are going to suggest to them now, you vote for us please, because we are going to remember you," said Bradley.