by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Guam Shipyard workers will have the opportunity this week to decide if they want to be represented by a union. An election will be held on Wednesday with one question on the ballot: do they want union representation from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers? Local union organizer Kenneth Laguana says union representation couldn't come at a better time for the shipyard employees as the navy is in the process of putting out another bid for a long lease of the naval ship repair facility.

Laguana says if the employees vote for union representation, the IBEW will help if a new company is awarded the bid. "None of those guys will be displaced. A lot of those guys would take over with the company that wins the contract, the company will take over their benefits and wages that's normal so the union will be there to make sure the transaction is there and those workers are protected," he said.

The IBEW says union representation will bring better wages, better benefits and a contract for the workers. The election will be held on Wednesday from six to nine o'clock in the morning and three to six o'clock in the afternoon.

It will be administered by the National Labor Relations Board and the votes will be tallied on Wednesday night.