Volunteer Organizing

Volunteer Organizers, or "VOs," are UNITE HERE members who take a leave of absence from their regular jobs to help organize their co-workers at other airports. Volunteer Organizing is a critical part of the campaign to help airport workers improve their working conditions and gain a voice on the job.

For questions, contact Carmen Carrera at ccarrera@unitehere.org or or 1-800-221-1930.

How did you get started as a Volunteer Organizer?

I worked at the TJ Maxx distribution center in North Carolina, starting in 1996. In 1998, my Business Agent, Louise Hamm, recommended that I come out as a VO because of my interest in the union. I worked on a new organizing campaign at a National Linen laundry and I was hooked.

Why?

Working on that campaign gave me the insight into how important it is for workers to have a union so they can be treated with dignity and respect. I knew some of the older women in that shop from my church. One day when I was outside talking to them, a young supervisor came out and said to the women, "You ain't got time to be talking to them!" I thought to myself, "Those ladies could be my parents. I don't ever want somebody to talk to my parents that way!"

How many campaigns have you worked on in the past?

Fourteen that I remember, mostly laundry and food service campaigns, including Cintas, ARAMARK, HMSHost, and Hudson News. I've also organized public employees in AL and FL, Kmart distribution center workers, and Pillow Tex.

What did you enjoy most about being a VO?

Working with the different organizers, seeing the different organizing techniques that each one has. I like taking that knowledge from them to grow more as an organizer and the willingness they have had to train me.

You traveled a lot as a VO. How did you make the sacrifices of leaving your family behind, sometimes for weeks or months?

My Dad worked union his whole career, so my family supported me 100%. My mom watched my daughter when I was on the road. Knowing I'm helping others is what gets me through the tough times. I remember organizing at the Atlanta airport, looking at single parents like me trying to make things better for their families and struggling hard, working 2 jobs. I know with the union, they can make that 1st job better and be able to put more time in with their families. Family time means a lot, particularly when you have teenagers at home!

Why did you decide to apply to be a full-time union organizer?

I see this job as really being a challenge. I learned a lot working in the plant as a union leader, but things were getting boring on the job. I'd done it all. Now I'm working on overcoming my weaknesses as an organizer. Every day I learn something new. I come up against a wall and I brainstorm with Niecy (campaign coordinator) and she pushes me to figure out the solution. Organizing keeps you on your toes and forces you to be creative.

What do you do when you are not organizing?

I am a leader in my church choir and assist in the youth ministry.

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