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ong>Some Davis workers have concerns about possible retaliation

FARMINGTON -- Retaliation, health records and retirement were the main topics at a Davis County employee union-organizing meeting.

Less than a dozen people came to Davis County Memorial Courthouse on Tuesday evening. Those in attendance were getting more information about a Davis County chapter of the Utah Alliance of Government Employees Union that is starting up. There are 17 county employees who have formally joined.

John Valdez, a Utah Alliance of Government Employees staff member, said he received several phone calls from Davis County employees who said they were afraid to attend the meeting because of threats made by administrators.

"It's a free country, and we live in a society that allows (employees to join a union)," said Davis County Commissioner Alan Hansen after the meeting.

Hansen said any threats or retaliation for joining a union would be against county policy.

Robert Nielsen, custodial supervisor for the Davis County Facilities Management department, is spearheading the union. Nielsen said knowing there are some employees who want to join but are afraid "tells me there is a need for what we're doing."

Some employees expressed concern about the county having access to their medical information.

The county takes $5 a pay period or $130 a year out of the paychecks of employees who are enrolled in the county's health insurance for a wellness program. At the beginning of each year, those employees in the program either attend a health-risk appraisal session at the county office or have a physical done by their own physician. UAGE staff member Marcie Bircumshaw said an attorney is looking at whether the county should have access to the medical records.

Valdez also told those in attendance they need to be watchful of what legislators are proposing to do to the state retirement fund to which county employees contribute. Utah's public retirement system is rated as one of the top five best in the country and should not be tampered with, Valdez said.

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