All About Petitioning
Think your job series isn't covered by AFGE Local 2883, or that there's no union at all for your position? The truth is, you can join the union right now and becoming a bargaining unit employee is in our power to change!
Jump to the LatestWhile some job series at CDC are currently outside our bargaining unit, AFGE 2883 has the power to petition for their inclusion. That means entire groups of employees can be brought under the protection of our union contract—gaining a voice on the job, access to representation, and the ability to negotiate for better working conditions.
If you're not yet covered, you're not alone, and you're not out of options. Let's organize, expand, and make sure no one is left behind.
Why It Matters
There are hundreds of workers whose BUS code (bargaining unit code, on your SF-50) shows “7777.” That means their position is eligible for union representation, but they're not currently covered under a bargaining agreement (CBA). If employees with BUS code 7777 petition to join AFGE Local 2883, we can expand our bargaining unit and increase our collective power. That benefits all of us.
What we gain when more employees are covered:
- ✓Stronger bargaining power
- ✓Fairer workplace policies
- ✓Protection against unfair treatment
- ✓A unified voice for public health professionals
Job Series Currently Petitioning
The AFGE 2883 Collective Bargaining Agreement currently excludes members of “professional series,” and covers all other series. If your job series is on this list, your colleagues are currently petitioning to be represented by AFGE 2883:
How It Works
The process to expand our bargaining unit involves several key steps. Here's how we get more CDC employees covered under the union contract.
Identify and Organize
If your job series isn’t included in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), share your name with AFGE 2883 by completing the interest form. Talk with coworkers to confirm interest and connect with the organizing committee.
File a Petition
We need to demonstrate that at least 30% of the proposed bargaining unit is interested in representation by AFGE 2883. That means either paying dues or signing a formal petition card. AFGE then files a petition with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).
FLRA Review
The FLRA reviews the petition to ensure the new group meets criteria under federal law: Are employees excluded under management or supervisory status? Do they share a clear community of interest? Will inclusion support effective dealings and efficiency?
FLRA Election
The FLRA conducts an election among all individuals in the job series who are petitioning to be represented by AFGE 2883.
Decision and Certification
If over half of the votes cast in the election agree, the job series is officially added to the unit. You and everyone in your job series are now covered under the CBA.
AFGE 2883 volunteers can help connect you with other coworkers so we can make sure our petitions and election are successful. We meet regularly and we're building a strong network to spread the word! Email us at petitions@afge2883ga.org to get involved.
We're Making Progress
Adding new job series expands our reach and our power. It's how we protect more CDC workers and hold management accountable. So far, we're well on our way. Over a third of the employees who could be represented by a union have reached out to AFGE 2883 to show their interest in representation by our local, and more are signing up every week.
Watch this page for more detailed updates on our progress.
We Need YOU
This work takes people power. Volunteer to:
- ✓Help lead the effort for your division, or get in touch with job series with no active “leaders” for this effort
- ✓Share info with your network
- ✓Join organizing efforts to bring more workers into the union
This is solidarity in action. The more of us under the contract, the stronger we are—and the harder we are to ignore.
Email petitions@afge2883ga.orgWhat's New in Petitioning?
You may have seen that an appellate court recently issued a stay, allowing the anti-union Executive Order 14251 to remain in effect while the case continues to work its way through the courts. This means bargaining unit petitioning remains on pause at the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).
We continue to be heartbroken and enraged by the actions of this administration against CDC workers. AFGE Local 2883 remains steadfast in our efforts to advocate for the rights, safety, and well-being of all our members. We can be most effective at protecting you if you are a dues-paying member. This makes it easier for us to petition after the courts have ruled on this illegal EO and protect your rights in the meantime, even if our collective bargaining rights are stripped from us temporarily.
Join the fight with us and become a dues-paying member today!
AFGE 2883 IS NOT GIVING UP!
While this legal case focuses on collective bargaining rights, AFGE provides critical value to members in many other ways:
- ✓Workplace representation during disciplinary actions and grievances
- ✓Legal protection when management overreaches
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Advocacy for better working conditions and safety standards
- ✓Voice in policy that affects your daily work
- ✓Community with fellow public health professionals who understand your challenges
CDC employees, including supervisors and retirees, can reap these benefits and support AFGE's efforts in court by joining today. You can join as a dues-paying member even if you are not bargaining unit eligible.
Here's what the union is doing NOW to protect your rights:
CDC union urges stronger protections after shooting attack
FOX 5 Atlanta
Local 2883 CDC employee union says shooting compounds months of mistreatment of staff
WSB-TV
Atlanta CDC shooting: COVID vaccine misinformation
Axios
CDC shooting: Union warns vaccine disinformation put staff at risk
Washington Examiner
CDC union: Vaccine misinformation put workers at risk
Yahoo News
CDC union calls for additional security after shooting
Decaturish
The stay remains in effect while litigation continues. When we ultimately win the case, terminated collective bargaining agreements will be reinstated. We will continue to organize so that we are ready to take action as soon as the case is resolved.
In the meantime, we continue to make great progress with bargaining unit petitioning! The FLRA confirmed that those who pay dues have already met the requirements for a formal petition for representation. Dues-paying members will not need to hand-sign a showing of interest card. Thank you to every dues-paying member of our unit, and please spread the word to your friends and colleagues about our petitioning efforts and the many benefits of union membership. For those who prefer to sign an interest card, we will be sharing details on our card drive soon.
If you're in a job series seeking to join the bargaining unit, join our open organizing meeting every other Tuesday at 8pm ET. Email petitions@afge2883ga.org if you're interested in helping.
Step Up. Join AFGE Local 2883.
The more of us under the contract, the stronger we are. Become a dues-paying member today and help us expand union protection to all CDC workers.