BURLINGTON — Office workers at the University of Vermont have voted against union representation.

They voted 443-189 Wednesday against joining the union, defeating an effort by University Staff Union-NEA to represent clerical, administrative, technical and specialist employees.

The balloting followed a September election in which the employees voted in favor of union representation, but failed to give a majority to either of two competing unions. University Staff Union-NEA received more votes than rival United Staff, so it advanced to the election.

University Staff Union-NEA wanted to become the fourth union to represent UVM employees. United Academics represents about 850 full-time and part-time faculty; United Electrical Local 267 represents about 350 service and maintenance workers; and Teamsters Local 97 represents about 25 employees in Police Services.