ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, April 12, 1997               TAG: 9704140035
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: A-5  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON

BILLBOARD WORKERS TO VOTE ON UNION

Thursday's election at Lamar Advertising Co. is open to 12 of the company's 20 Roanoke-area employees.

Billboard hangers and related personnel at Lamar Advertising Co. in Roanoke are scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to form a union.

The Sheet Metal Workers International Association, Local 100 in Roanoke, asked for the vote, according to the National Labor Relations Board's regional office in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The company opposes formation of a union.

"We'd prefer to deal with our employees on more of a direct basis," said Keith Austin, general manager of Roanoke operations for the Baton Rouge, La., company.

Twelve of the company's 20 local employees are eligible to vote, including those who perform sign hanging, bill posting, construction, painting and general labor. The union needs approval of a majority of those casting ballots.

Officials of the union could not be reached for comment Friday.

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