THE EXPERIENCE OF UNIONIZING FOR CIRCUIT COURT PSYCHOLOGISTS IN CHICAGO - TEAMSTERS LOCAL-743

This article describes the process of unionization for a group of publ ic-sector psychologists. After administrative changes in the Circuit C ourt of Cook County's Forensic Clinical Services increased interest in unionization, the psychologists chose a union to represent them, iden tified contract goals and a negotiation strategy and organized a contr act campaign to pressure management for concessions. Since unionizatio n, the psychologists have made significant movement toward achieving s ome of the contract goals, especially with the initiation of the contr act campaign. The psychologists also faced and addressed problems rela ted to the size of the bargaining unit, some fears and anxieties among the members, and the slow pace of negotiations. Their experience illu strates how collective effort, such as involvement in organized labor, can lead to more professional working conditions for psychologists an d to better quality care for the public.