Customer service workers at Liberty Gas in Georgia ratified their first UWUA contract at the end of September, bringing to a close a process that began in fall 2022 when they, along with their colleagues in Liberty’s field operations, voted to become UWUA members. Field workers wrapped up their agreement in July. The company’s 10 customer service workers can now join them in becoming official members of the newly chartered Local 607.
Jason St. Ours, the local’s secretary-treasurer, said wages were the biggest concern for the service workers. “The agreement delivers an immediate 15% to 18% increase, and this group will see the same annual guaranteed wage increases won in the field workers’ agreement.”
Poor wages had contributed to high turnover at Liberty’s customer service centers in Gainesville and Columbus. With a contract now in place, Liberty is planning to hire 20 new people and hopes the higher wages will help with both employee attraction and retention.