State judicial marshals — a workforce of about 700 men and women who provide security services in Connecticut courts — will vote next month on whether to continue being represented by the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 731/Service Union Employees International or join the United Public Service Employees Union's COPS division.

The state Labor Board has scheduled a secret ballot election on Sept. 16 and 17 at locations throughout the state that will be announced at a later date, according to statements from both unions.

Ron Suraci, regional director for UPSEU/COPS, said in a news release that the IBPO/SEUI did nothing over the past three years to make the workplace environment better for marshals.

"They just sat back, collected dues and continued to provide the same non-existent presence, while the representation of the members deteriorated," Suraci added.

He said UPSEU represents seven other law enforcement agencies in the state and with several other elections coming up, expects to grow into "the clear choice for public employees in Connecticut."

The existing union promises to work hard for pay raises and better working conditions.

"We cannot let this election distract or derail our objective," says a statement on the IBPO Local 731 website. "IBPO local 731 is determined to get our members a substantial pay increase, stronger seniority language, and provide better working conditions. Your local has the institutional knowledge, experience dealing with the state, and we now have the best negotiator to advocate on our behalf."

k.florin@theday.com

Twitter: @KFLORIN