(PARK CITY, UTAH) - Lift Mechanics and Electricians employed at the Park City Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah have submitted a petition for a Union Representation Election to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), becoming the first group of Ski Resort Mechanics in the country to seek formal Union Representation.

The Workers are organizing as the Park City Lift Maintenance Professional Union under the United Professional Ski Patrols of America (Communications Workers of America Local 7781).

The petition was submitted with the support of 80% of the Workers.

The Members of the Mechanics Team face dangerous work conditions, chronic understaffing, and low pay that is not commensurate with the conditions of their work or cost of living, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Representatives said.

These issues contribute to constant employee turnover, which makes it impossible to cultivate a crew of experienced Mechanics and their work often goes unappreciated despite being essential to the resort’s functioning, Union Officials said.

The Workers believe that self-advocacy as a Union Crew will combat these issues and create a safe and equitable working environment for all.

CWA Local 7781 currently represents more than 650 Ski Patrollers in the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest, and recently added the Purgatory Resort Bike Patrol to their ranks.

The United Professional Ski Patrols of America Local 7781 Union is part of CWA District 7.

Through UPSPA Local 7781, the CWA represents Ski Patrollers at Crested Butte, Park City, Steamboat, Telluride and Stevens Pass.

The CWA is committed to improving the working conditions of Ski Patrollers and is responsible for negotiating contracts with more than 150 employers - including Ski Industry Giants Vail Resorts and Intrawest, and has more than 170 chartered Locals.

CWA is one of the largest Unions in Northern America, representing 700,000 Workers in Public and Private Sector Employment.

For More On United Professional Ski Patrols Of America Local 7781, Go To: www.upspa.org/#news