COBB — Calpine Corporation workers at The Geysers voted against union representation in an election held last week.
More than 190 eligible employees cast ballots Wednesday and Thursday to decide whether they should be represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245.
The National Labor Relations Board, which conducted the secret-ballot election, counted 124 votes against representation and 70 votes in favor of joining the union, agency spokesman Tim Peck said.
Another 21 ballots were challenged and not included in the final tally. Those votes would have been inconsequential given the margin of defeat, Peck said.
“We are grateful that our employees made their voices heard,” Calpine said in a statement.
The IBEW Local 1245 announced Friday it would not contest the election results.
“These workers waged a courageous battle and against all odds and a stacked deck,” union organizer Fred Ross said in a statement.
Some union-backers claimed the company influenced the election by campaigning against representation and making workers meet with “union busters.”
Pro-union Calpine employee Mike Farmer said that “fear won the day.” He added, “Even so, we proved that far more than a handful of our co-workers support the union.”
The company argued it strove to make sure “a free and fair election” occurred.
“We greatly value our employees,” Calpine said in its statement. “We work hard and fairly to maintain good, safe working conditions and competitive compensation.”
