Bill would let Vt.

deputies unionize

MONTPELIER — A Vermont House committee is looking at legislation that would allow deputy state’s attorneys, deputy sheriffs and support staff in their offices unionize.

The House General, Housing and Military Affairs Committee took testimony Wednesday on the measure, with the head of a statewide group of state’s attorneys and sheriffs urging it to proceed with caution.

Bram Kranichfeld, the association’s executive director, said there were too many questions about the hybrid governance of Vermont’s state’s attorneys and sheriff’s offices.

Historically functions of county government, offices have been coming under increasing state control. But their employees are not part of the Vermont State Employees’ Association.

Supporters of the union effort say the employees have been shortchanged on pay, and need a voice in negotiating working conditions.