Q: Tell Us Where you Work and What you Do
I am a Management Information Systems Technician, or an IT Specialist. I work at the Office of Administrative Law, which has three offices. I’m in the Newark, Essex County office. I handle IT tickets that come in from the judges and staff and troubleshoot the issues. I check if it’s a hardware or software problem and fix issues for workers who are in-office and remote.
Q: And you’ve worked at OAL for quite some time, right?
Oh yes. 28 years. I’ve held different titles, in OAL and I was asked to be the office Shop Steward by a coworker in my first year. And actually before I joined the state workforce I was a security guard at the company that did this office’s security. So I know the office very well!
Q: Why did you become a Shop Steward?
A fellow worker who was involved in the Union saw something in me when I was a Postal Clerk. They knew we needed a workplace Steward and told me where I could learn more about the role and how to be effective, so with the support of my worksite, I took the Local 1037 Shop Steward training. This was within my first year at OAL.
Q: What makes an Effective Steward?
Patience and understanding. Not all workers can or will put in the same effort to strengthen the Union, and you have to calmly and slowly bring those people in, not call them out. I like letting the newer members know everything we can do together as a Union, and when we get stuff done that makes our workplace more fair, it’s a great feeling.
You also need to know contractual rights, and how to remind people that they cannot be retaliated against for getting involved in the Union for fear of retaliation.
Q: Why are public sector unions important?
We have so much more armor than non-union private sector workers. It’s very tough under the current federal administration, and when you’re dealing with billionaires who want to privatize everything and end public services, you need to step up together. I tell people that what motivates me is fighting against injustices. When a Union mobilizes, things happen. When we stand together, we win!
Q: What union fights stand out in your 27 years in the Union?
A few years ago when we were negotiating our current contract, we had a major rally to add an 11th step so more members who can’t move up a range and have been in their jobs for a long time can receive raises they need to keep up with inflation. New workers and workers like myself—who are at the highest steps—stood together and won together.
I believe that when you see a good fight, you better get in it, especially if it affects you. United through strong solidarity we are committed to ensuring every member has dependable access to the care they deserve without financial hardship.
Q: Tell us about yourself and your family
I was born and raised in Essex County, with a few pre-teen and teen years in Beltsville, Maryland.
I’m currently engaged to my fiancé Maria. I have a beautiful blended family. Five girls, a son and three granddaughters. I am a son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather. I’m a Baptist by faith and carry my faith with me which keeps me grounded. I have two adorable dogs, Carmelo and Onyx.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy reading, drawing, and watching the New York Knicks and Washington Commanders. My favorite thing is cooking. I’m a foodie and I also love planting and gardening. I need to feel connected to the Earth.