JACKSON -- City public works and utilities employees rejected union representation Wednesday by nearly a 2-to-1 margin.

Employees voted 33-17 against unionization during two hours of secret-ballot voting at City Hall. Only one city worker eligible to participate didn't cast a ballot.

Francis Brady, chairman of the state board of mediation, conducted the election. "By the vote, the union does not prevail," Brady said after tallying the results.

Had union supporters been successful, nearly half of the city's work force would have been represented by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 702. The local is based in West Frankfort, Ill., but represents workers throughout Southeast Missouri.

"I think the 2-to-1 majority is a mandate for our city government's style of management, which includes open communication and fair treatment of people," said Jackson Mayor Paul Sander. "I never did think that type of management required third-party intervention, and I'm very pleased our employees agreed with us."

Sander, the Jackson Board of Aldermen and City Administrator Steve Wilson all publicly opposed the unionization effort.

"I have very strong personal feelings that public service and unions are not compatible since we use tax money to serve the community," Wilson said.

IBEW officials and pro-union city employees present as the results were announced declined to comment on the outcome of the election.

In an apparent reference to news stories in advance of the vote, IBEW international representative Carl Tutorino told a Southeast Missourian reporter, "You have done enough damage, I believe,"

The union has 10 days to challenge the election results with the State Board of Mediation. Tutorino thanked Brady for conducting a fair election, an indication that a challenge would not be forthcoming.

If there are no objections, Brady will officially certify the results in early April.

Wilson said it is time to heal any rifts resulting from the unionization effort.

"Anytime you have to deal with an emotional issue, people have strong feelings both ways," he said. "We have to put that behind us.

"This is a family. Like most family discussions, we had it, got it resolved, and need to move on to the many, many challenges that face this growing city."

Wilson plans to begin holding monthly forums with representatives of each department to discuss workplace concerns and how the city can better serve the community.

Sander said he hoped any hard feelings between employees on different sides of the issue would be short lived.

"The board and I are very proud of our employee work force," Sander said. "I will continue to work with the board on improvements for employees in the workplace. As a board we are always working for the best interests of the entire community."