Members of the Service Employees International Union, Local 521 took a big step toward stronger worker rights and better pay and benefits by yes for agency shop this past week. “Mariposa County voted in agency shop for our future,” says Pam Hawkins, a senior alcohol and drug specialist. “This is the first step in building Mariposa County into a thriving and sustainable community in which we will have wages and benefits that will support our families. Thank you for the overwhelming support of our employees who voted for our future welfare and making our community a wonderful place in which to raise our children.”

Over 75 percent of the bargaining unit voted and 70 percent of those voted yes for agency shop. The unit includes employees in mental health, human services, facilities, parks and recreation, child support, libraries, planning, roads, public health, waste management and more. It does not include managers, law enforcement or firefighters. “What a great turnout! says Kathleena Jost, an office technician. “Seventy-five percent of our bargaining unit voted and overwhelmingly said that they are standing together for a fair contract and the respect that we deserve.”

Agency shop is an arrangement where all workers who enjoy the benefits of the contract either become members of the union or pay a fee to cover the cost of representation. The unit’s Bargaining Team is currently negotiating a new contract with the County of Mariposa. “This is a great victory for Mariposa County employees,” says Ginny Carpenter, child support specialist II. “Agency shop will make us stronger at the bargaining table and will help us win the contract that we deserve.”

Mariposa County is the home of Yosemite National Park and includes vast expanses of oak-studded hills, quiet forests, small cafes, intimate lodging and plenty of campgrounds. According to the Visitors Bureau, history and nature are preserved and visitors can enjoy educational agri-nature tourism, various outdoor activities such as hiking and whitewater rafting and historical museums and landmarks.