Maira Gutierrez, AFT Local 2424A, Turlock Federation of Classified Employees, President
Why did you come?
I wanted to get more information, because we went from a 40% in our membership last year, to 70% and we’ve been getting a lot of involvement with our members. They’ve been asking a lot of questions, and they are eager to know more about the union. I’m here to give more information, and that way I can take it back to them and provide that information.
What’s been the highlight for you?
Just everything. The whole environment and the way the committee organized this event is just amazing. The activities, you learn something from them. It’s fun, but you learn something, and you can take it back and use it in your local.
Alissa Chester, Council of Classified Employees Palomar College, Local 4522, Enrollment Services.
Why did you come?
I’ve never been a part of a union before. I’ve had a lot of previous jobs where these protections were not insured, and the quality of my work life went way, way down because of that. And when I had the opportunity to be a part of the union, it’s just something that aligns with my values in general. So, it was kind of a no brainer that I would want to be a part of it. Then I started to slowly learn the benefits and get to know some of the people involved and how they help not only people in my department, but across the campus and our students. That’s meaningful to me. I saw this as an opportunity to become more involved.
I hear everyone talking about being strong and united, from the fun event where we’re all getting dressed up and expressing our creativity, to actually listening to people tackle problems and the intelligence and the thoughtfulness and the resourcefulness and the tenacity that everybody has is remarkable. I find myself as a young professional drawn to that and seeing it as the only way to keep our jobs safe and our students safe by proxy.
What’s been the highlight for you?
Ooh, definitely the connection. There’s a lot that. As we’ve talked about, workloads are very high, staffing is low, and we don’t get a lot of connection in our day to day, because we’re just very, very busy. And when everybody’s tapped out, everybody’s overwhelmed, it’s important to make time, it’s important to make space. Often, we don’t get that as classified staff, and it’s nice to have our own space and our own time to talk and to strategize moving forward.
Christopher Easley, Weaver Federation of Educational Employees, Local 3484, President
Why did you come?
I think it’s amazing to be able to take back to my employees knowledge and get more familiar, because I’ve been a president for now going on four years. For me, it’s mainly just about being able to answer more in-depth questions and to know the environment of CFT and the classified. I came to the classified day in Sacramento, where my shop steward, Shannon Wilson and I went together, and I got introduced to at least four people who are here today, like Carl, and they told me about this conference. Once I give my word about going somewhere, I usually make sure I’m there.
What has been the highlight for you?
I would say two parts. The meet and greet I thought was phenomenal, the way it was put together and the activity. Then the workshop that I did on Ed Codes was very informative. I wouldn’t say I’m a new president, but a president that hasn’t had to go through so much stuff, so just knowing and finding out Ed Codes and getting information for people who want it was great.
Tanya Brooks, Lawndale Federation of Classified Employees, AFT Local 4529, Senior Account Technician
Why did you come?
I was invited by Carl Williams. He’s the President at Lawndale, and he reached out and said, “Hey, this is what’s going on,” and I said, “Yeah, I’ll be there to support.” I’m very active in the union meetings, and I always attend and want to know what’s going on and where help is needed. I also want to gain information about what’s going on in the district.
What has been a highlight for you?
Quite a few things, but primarily the session on Ed Codes. I’ve been with the district for about five years, but I started off in accounts payable, and now I’m in certificated payroll, and I’ve only been there about two months. There is always a conversation about Ed Code adjustment and Ed Codes in general, so that session was phenomenal. I did the health and wellness, which was very helpful as well, with tips and breathing and how to meditate and remain calm. So, I appreciate that, but the Ed Code class was really nice.
Derek Warren, El Camino College, Local 6142, Library Specialist
Why did you come?
I was going to come years ago, but then I didn’t, and I thought it was time to go now. Some things are changing in my school, and I wanted to see what was going on here and what I could learn.
What’s been the highlight for you?
Everyone is great. This is a reminder that everyone is caring, and it’s all about the students and education and doing what’s right.
