What most may not know is that I am one of the original founders of the Rebuild 710 movement. I am responsible for brokering the collaboration between Mike Lloyd and Chuck Garfield who were on different sides of the aisle. After the introduction between freight, food and beverage we expanded into other sectors of our local.

The originations of Rebuild were freight and car haul centered because I come from an underdog industry and we’ve been left behind a long time with no interest to organize us. I’ve watched my industry shrink from approximately 1000 members strong to barely 200 in our local.

I’ve been around a long time, I’ve been an advocate for the underdogs of our local, because I am one.

Union politicians will have you believing that these jobs are too difficult for the average member to perform. The reality is that none of these elected positions require a collegiate degree or specialized skill other than advocacy and a fighting spirit. Our current Secretary Treasurer was a fork lift operator on a dock at ABF making scale wages prior to his election. Not a financial analyst as one might believe by the circulating flyers. Our Pension team comprised of ACTUAL financial and legal analysts are credited with our steady pension growth and responsible investments over the last few decades, not an elected dock man. It's disingenuous to advertise that is the case. Our elected officials are responsible for paying the bills downstairs and representing us.

We often hear that the local is not where you go to learn…but that is exactly where they got their education from the International and Joint Council.

I believe all of our voices matter, and should have the opportunity to weigh in on directional decisions and representational matters. I’ve built my slate to include fighters for our most marginalized members who receive the least attention. However, we need all of the voices in communication and by voting for Rebuild 710- Checks & Balances, room is left at the table for all of them to be heard.

Our local doesn’t need to be “saved”, our members are quite capable…it simply needs to be restructured, educated and unified. 

As my resume demonstrates, I’ve been around and have seen a lot.  I’ve worked in some of the most challenging and technical environments that have prepared me for each next lesson and demand.
 
I’m built tough and as a steward, I make sure that every ability I possess is used to protect the members that I’ve been elected to serve. UPS can be a beast in their blatant disregard of our contractual rights and menacing harassment of members who dare to assert their protections.
 
We need a fresh approach to an old set of unresolved tactics and I look forward to working on a larger level to see that these improvements are implemented.

I was a Union Steward for 15 years and developed my advocacy and experience by aggressively pursuing educational opportunities by attending steward workshops, Teamsters Women’s Conventions, Organizing classes, 2011 IBT Delegate Alternate, 2016 IBT Delegate, Labor Notes educational seminars, 2016 Candidate for Trustee  
I am most proud of the reputable working relationships I have nurtured over the years affording the members that I served a serious seat at the table of conflict negotiations, conversations on improving dignified working conditions and resolving employee concerns.
I believe in a team atmosphere and that none of us are successful without the cooperative efforts of all affected parties. I stand tall in my convictions and I will continue to use all that I learn to serve you the best way I can.

I’ve stepped up to run for Trustee because I’d like to see better representation for Part Time workers at UPS.  I’ve seen part timers stripped of their positions and pay without having a serious representational dedication paid to our concerns.
 
I’m running to demonstrate that part time classification is very much capable and qualified to take on larger responsibilities within our local.
 
As Trustee, you can count on me to hold our elected leaders accountable for prudent financial expenditures as well as making sure that part time issues are weaved into the important decisions and daily order of business.
 
We have been neglected for too long and it has to change!

I was asked to be one of those candidates, and I ask you to help elect the “RIGHT” slate of members willing and prepared to hit the ground running when it comes to Rockford.
 
We need strategic and analytical thinkers ready to apply new concepts to old problems that have yet to be resolved. It’s time to switch up what we’ve been doing…it isn’t working for Rockford.