Can you tell us what you do?
JR: I currently work in the Business Department of the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. I assist in the process of billing services including invoices, purchase orders, etc. for services rendered through our Law Enforcement Drug Testing program. I recently transferred from the Toxicology Laboratory where I worked for over 35 years, as a Principal Clerk Transcriber and Executive Secretary.
Fortunately, I can still carry out my Shop Steward duties for my coworkers at the NRMEO; this was very important to me moving forward in my new job specifications.
What led to you becoming a Shop Steward?
JR: For more than 20 years, we were told the “Union” was not allowed in our building. My late sister Ella, a former Shop Steward with the State Board of Nursing, told me there was no way that could be true. She passed in 2010, but her words stayed with me; another Shop Steward confirmed what she said. I contacted my Local 1037 Staff Rep, Diane McMillan, who set the record straight with HR.
We then arranged for a Union worksite meeting to discuss our Union work rights and how we could be active. Over 25 workers showed up to the meeting, and many of us joined the Union that day.
And how have things changed at work since?
JR: Since I’ve become a Shop Steward, HR has become more proactive and attentive. Denise (my fellow Steward) and I connect with HR quickly to resolve issues internally before they escalate.
We’re currently celebrating Black History Month. What connections do you see between Black history and the labor movement, specifically your role as Shop Steward?
JR: A huge part of our workforce is diverse, and we’ve only just got the representation we deserve, and were denied for so many years. There is a huge connection between Black history and the labor movement. The fight for workers rights and civil rights It is imperative that we know our history. By educating myself in my workplace and employee rights, I’ve come to feel empowered and help others feel empowered.
CWA and the broader labor movement exist to uphold the rights of ALL workers. We can’t take that for granted.
What do you say to coworkers who haven’t joined the Union?
JR: A lot of my coworkers fear retaliation if they join the Union, due to decades of prior management putting that in people’s heads. I always emphasize our Union rights, especially Weingarten Rights (to have a Shop Steward or the Union Rep be present any time a conversation with management might be disciplinary).
My late sister Ella would be so proud of me for carrying on her legacy as a Shop Steward. She did not appreciate it when workers were denied their rights to overtime pay or asked to do out of title work. A few of her former coworkers keep in touch with me and wish me well. Now I see why: she got things done.
What are you focused on as a Steward right now?
JR: We’re planning to hold frequent membership meetings on site, as our contract allows. We don’t have a dedicated Union bulletin board which we’re entitled to under the contract, so we’re working on that.
At least three meetings come to mind where I wish I’d known my Weingarten Rights; I shouldn’t have had to defend myself on the spot, alone. Now I inform all my members that you are not alone. The Union has your back!
Shifting gears a little, what are some of your hobbies? What do you like outside of work and workplace activism?
JR: I love to read, and watch my court shows like Judge Judy—that’s my favorite, I could easily watch that for 10 hours straight, haha! I also love cooking and baking.
I have three grandkids, my pride and joy. My oldest is in the US Army (Corps of Engineers), my 15-year-old grandson is at Arts High School majoring in TV and film, and my youngest, my granddaughter, my mini best friend, is an honor roll student at Kipp Purpose and a creative little social butterfly.
I am a 7-year survivor/thriver of breast cancer. I bring my “Grand puppy” with me on the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk via American Cancer Society; she’s my comfort/support as well.