by Mindy Aguon

Guam - More than 280 Shipyard workers will once again have the chance to decide whether they want union representation. An election, administered by the National Labor Relations Board will be held next Wednesday, May 8 at the Ship Repair Facility on base. The Shipyard workers will decide if they want union representation from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Local union organizer Kenneth Laguana says union representation will give the workers a collective voice and benefits. It would also help H-2 workers who are employed at the Shipyard, as Laguana said, "The biggest thing is they'll have the union for them just the like the locals to be their voice without fear of any retribution or retaliation from the company. That's the biggest difference a lot of times workers want to say something that's not right especially for their safety and they're afraid and fearful of bringing it up to the company."

The election will take place next Wednesday from 6-9am and again from 3-6pm. Votes will be tallied on Wednesday night.

The IBEW says union representation of the workers will result in better wages, better benefits and a contract.