Q: Tell us where you work and what you do

I’m a Technician at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Paterson. The job entails a lot of tasks and every week we rotate duties. One week I’ll primarily be typing up permits, licensing, and registration documents and running background checks on out-of-state license transfers. And then we rotate and I’ll be more client-facing, working with them to help ensure they’ve got the documents for permits or licenses. And that includes commercial driver licenses, motorcycle, and e-bike licenses.

 

Q: What did you do before MVC?

I worked in a hospital and at accounts payable producing invoices.

Many years ago I worked in a factory that was Unionized. I was the Union secretary, recording meeting minutes.

I started working at MVC as a per diem worker and then applied for a full-time job. I’ve been in my current full-time role for four years.

 

Q: How long have you been a Shop Steward, and what is the process to become one like?

I’ve been a Shop Steward for a little over a year. We had only one Shop Steward but that wasn’t enough for a unit like ours which is open six days a week. My coworkers know I want to be aware of our worker rights and fight for what we deserve, so they suggested I be a Steward.

My Staff Rep Xavier gave me the forms to become a Shop Steward. I needed 50% of the members in my unit to sign a petition supporting me to be the Shop Steward, and I think I reached all but two people.

 

What do you say to non-members?

We have almost full membership. And I remind my coworkers that just because I can stand up for myself, and maybe you can stand up for yourself, doesn’t mean we’re not better off with an entire Union infrastructure at my back.

If we ever have issues with management, I can text our Staff Rep to find out if management is allowed to do something we don’t like, and to show me where that is in the contract.

 

Q: What are you most proud of since becoming a Shop Steward?

I’m proud of the ways I’ve hyped my coworkers up to knock on doors in the Primaries and General Election. If you don’t go out there and vote, you might end up with someone who doesn’t support your rights at home or at work. And we can accomplish more as a collective Union than individuals, especially when it comes to getting elected officials to fund the pensions and listen to workers over hospital executives when it comes to healthcare.

That’s why I also contribute to the CWA Political Action Fund.

 

Q: What Union rallies stand out to you?

The Rally for Childcare on May 11 was really inspiring. We have a childcare affordability crisis here in New Jersey, we need it to be affordable and for the people providing childcare to be able to earn a living wage.

I want my kids to be proud of me for being active.

 

Q: How do coworkers describe you?

Friendly. I talk to everyone here. Younger people, older people, managers. I have thick skin, I don’t let things get to me.

I’m a people-person and this is a customer service job. You need to really be able to speak with people, calm them down. I believe in public service agencies.

 

Q: What would you like to share about your personal life?

I was born and raised in New Jersey. I’ve lived here my entire life. My husband and I have been married 33 years, with 3 kids and 3 grandchildren. I’m an organ donor and I donated my kidney to my mother. It’s a great feeling, to give the gift of life.

 

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

I just like watching movies, having a nice dinner, and vacation. I’d say I have the most fun with the Fast and the Furious movies.

I’m a picky eater, and if I see food that doesn’t look right I’m not trying it, haha! But my favorite food is pizza.