By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Village of Sebewaing Department of Public Works (DPW) Employees were at a ‘stalemate’ with their old representation, so when they heard the Sebewaing Police were looking into joining the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC), it piqued their interest.

“The reason why we changed was the (Village) Clerk and the Local (United) Steelworkers Representative did not get along, and we were not getting anywhere,” said Sebewaing DPW Local Union President Aaron Holdwick.

Village of Sebewaing Police Officer Drew Gokey shared his exceptional experience of being represented by the POLC as a former Essexville Public Safety Officer and the Officers’ Local Union President. “The Steelworkers also represented the (Sebewaing) Police Department. Drew told us about his experience working with (POLC/GELC Labor Rep.) Chris (Watts),” Holdwick said. 

By the time Holdwick reached out to Watts, the group’s contract had expired on Dec. 31, 2023. “He just came up and we did a meet and greet. Chris told us his history as an officer and all of his experience with the POLC,” he said.  

Sebewaing DPW Employees voted to join POLC’s sister Union, the Governmental Employees Labor Council (GELC), in February 2024 and the Union got to work on contract negotiations, settling their new agreement in August.

“They came over with the police just because the police department talked about how good we were,” Watts said. “We got some things changed in their contract. They were represented by the Steelworkers and there are not many governmental workers represented by them. They were pleased with having a Union more familiar with the public sector representing their members.”

Sebewaing DPW Employees received a 9 percent increase in wages over their new 3-year agreement, which expires March 31, 2027. The Employer also increased their matching contributions to Employees’ 401K’s, from 5 percent to 7 percent. Additionally, the GELC helped with improvements to their contact language.

“The main thing was the wages, because in past history they only gave us anywhere from 2 to 3 percent, and if they did give us 3 percent, it was only for one year,” Holdwick said. 

“Bumping our (matching) percentage up for the retirement, the wages, and being able to contribute more money to our retirement are the main advancements,” Holdwick said, adding that Employees have 401K and 457B plans. “Now, there’s a total of 7 percent matched by the Employer just in the 401k.”

The three-member group was extremely pleased with the personal attention the GELC is known for providing to each of its groups, no matter the size. 

“Without a doubt, we are very happy! My interactions with Chris and communication is great with Chris,” Holdwick said. “Comparing him to (our former Rep.), Chris was more knowledgeable and more level-headed. With our experience, (joining the GELC) was definitely the right choice. Chris knows how to talk to the (Village) President and the Clerk. Overall, he is more friendly and everything went a lot smoother.”