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Part-time firefighters win right to unionize
http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_5269
By Barb Kucera
21 June 2012
BROOKLYN PARK - Kevin Bruch regularly puts his life on the line – and saves live and property – in his job as a Brooklyn Park firefighter. But because he only works part-time, he has not been eligible to unionize and makes a lower hourly wage than many workers in less dangerous jobs.
All that could change under a recent ruling from the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, which for the first time decided that some part-time firefighters in the state are eligible to form unions.
Kevin Bruch
The issue really hit home when Bruch saw a job posting for a part-time clerical worker at Brooklyn Park City Hall for $18.45 an hour. The position is represented by AFSCME and the compensation includes health insurance, vacation and sick pay.
As a non-union, part-time firefighter, Bruch earns $14.65 an hour and has no health insurance, vacation or other benefits.
FULL story at link.
