Casey Trees Workers in Washington, D.C. voted in August to unionize with the IAM in a 22-6 vote. Casey Trees was started in 2001 with the goal of restoring, enhancing, and protecting the Capitol’s canopy. In addition to beautifying the District, a robust tree canopy helps lower temperatures on streets and surrounding buildings in the summer, can reduce flooding after storms, and absorbs pollution year round.
With negotiations coming up soon, workers are collectively deciding their bargaining priorities. The unit includes the public facing Tree Operations department as well as Admin, Education, Communications & Development, and Policy & Land Conservation departments that make the work possible before a shovel ever hits the ground.
Urban Forester and Tree Planter, Shaveen Roberts, hopes for better pay amidst rising housing costs and more days off during severe inclement weather. Like his coworkers, he enjoys landscaping and working outside. Too often, management takes the love workers have for their professions for granted, excluding them from the decisions that affect them most or making them feel unappreciated. By becoming union members, Casey Trees workers have gained the voice they were seeking, while remaining fulfilled in their work.
Jonathan Carney, Urban Forester at Casey Trees, helps determine appropriate places to plant trees in DC. In addition to positive environmental and health impacts, adding trees, he says, can add a “sense of place” to otherwise unremarkable pockets of the city. Carney likes his work and wanted a union to codify the aspects of the jobs he enjoys. “Being in a union is for the betterment of all working people.”
Michael Carter, Crew Member of three years and DC native, enjoys the ability to plant trees where he’s grown up. Carter was elected to the negotiation committee, where he helps relay concerns from all teams to management. “We’re in the planning stage where we’re trying to get our ideas together, and decide the things we want and are entitled to.”
The post Casey Trees Workers Vote to Unionize and Prepare for First Contract Negotiations appeared first on IAMAW.