Vicksburg Mayor Paul Winfield told labor union representative Brenda Scott on Wednesday he is not opposed to city workers forming a union.

“My role is best to be neutral, but open,” Winfield said. “As it pertains to the employees, we have always tried to promote fairness.”

Scott, president of Jackson-based Mississippi Alliance of State Employees, and her organization are attempting for the third time to establish a labor union for the City of Vicksburg employees.

The first two attempts were unsuccessful due to waning employee interest, she said

Scott has been rallying city employees since April 2010 in the “interest phase,” signing up about 125 interested employees.

MASE’s next step is to gain recognition from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, after which it can begin signing up union members.

“I can wish you guys speed in terms of coordinating, but you’re not going to get a negative word from me,” Winfield told Scott and her two fellow union representatives.

North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield has not met with the representatives, but said he also would not oppose the formation of unions.

“I don’t particularly have a problem with a union,” he said, “but I would need to find out more information.”

South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman, who refused to meet with union representatives, said he opposes unions.

“I don’t think public employees should be involved in unions,” he said. “I think public employees have a different situation. These people are working for the public, not for the union.”