Gov. Tom Vilsack wants the Iowa Legislature to fully fund faculty salaries at Regents universities. While budget debates progress at the state house, about 2,000 ISU staff members can take comfort in union contract negotiations.

Those employees derive the benefits of the American Federation of State, County and Municiple Employees union, many without becoming members, due to Iowa’s Right to Work Law.

“Regardless of whether they belong or not, they are covered by the union contract,” said Liese Vanderbroek, secretary for the Department of Music and member of Union Local 96, which represents clerical employees at Iowa State.

Deb Ferguson, president of the Blue Collar, Technical and Security Employees, Union Local 870, said although non-member ISU employees receive the benefits, they do not have the right to vote on contract negotiations.

“Everything is voted on; that’s why it is important to be a member,” Ferguson said.

AFSCME offers members a variety of benefits in addition to negotiating salaries.

Ferguson said language in the contract protects members with seniority, transfer rights, discipline and discharge issues.

The contract also sets policy for leaves of absence and medical benefits.

Janet Tait, secretary of the clerical branch at the university and secretary for the Department of Botany, said Iowa State is the only one of the three Regent universities with two union locals of AFSCME. She said the jobs are different and address different needs. These differences led to the formation of Clerical Local 96 in 1985.

“We aren’t one cohesive group for negotiations where numbers would be a big advantage,” Tait said. “But our particular issues are dealt with more specifically.”

Vanderbroek and Ferguson said the union places a high priority on educating its members.

“The more people are educated, the more they are able to help themselves,” Vanderbroek said. “We give people the tools to address issues before they become problems.”

She said the Clerical Union has 50 members.

Ferguson said the Blue Collar, Technical and Security Local has 165 on its membership rolls.

Ferguson said the relationship between the campus and the union has improved under the administration of President Gregory Geoffroy.

“He has made it so we are a part of the campus community,” Ferguson said.