Walter Reed Workers Get Union

Despite two cancelled elections and intense employer opposition, workers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) voted last Wednesday to approve union representation. The 160 workers voted by a 2 to 1 margin for the union in the National Labor Relations Board monitored election, reports their union, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 99. "I am overjoyed that the workers all stood together and said 'no' to harassment and intimidation by the employer and the government," said Local 99 Business Manager Michael Murphy. The workers -- employees of the private contractor IAP Worldwide Services Inc. -- took over the positions after Walter Reed privatized the 160 jobs earlier this year. The election is the culmination of a six-month organizing drive by Local 99 and the Walter Reed employees. Photo from the ABC News website