It's not a groaner pun, and it doesn't rely purely on alliteration. The reader can almost hear the headline. Use that in your headline. Both are recent headline contest winners. A fresh verb can really make a headline.
Deputies inch toward unionization.
This also creates a strong mental picture. Strong, well-chosen verbs often do that. Come at the head from a different viewpoint. This is also good advice for reporters writing government stories. A change of perspective can do wonders.