I believe deeply in the union’s most important work: fighting for living wages, safer working

conditions, and building community for our members. This local has been my home and family

since 1997, and I raised two daughters while working as a Coach Operator. The experience I’ve gained in every aspect of the work we do as a Local is reflected in the

roles I’ve served in: Shop Steward, Executive Board Officer, Recording Secretary, Vice President, and proudly as your President.

Our Work, Our Wins

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​Under my leadership, our dedicated and accomplished team, which includes Vice
President Lela Perkins, Financial Secretary/Treasurer Dave Thompson, and Recording
Secretary Risë Gamble has worked hard to deliver real results for our members. This
term we have: 

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• Ratified five separate membership contracts, including strong first-time agreements
  and record-setting wage increases

• Achieved 100% contract ratification votes for both our new Transit Security Officers
  unit and a successor agreement at Island Transit

• Secured a total 27.6% base wage increase at Island Transit, and additional increases
  to premium and longevity pay on top of that

• Strengthened Shop Steward training, resulting in the highest number of active
  Stewards in our Local’s history

• Achieved nearly a 90% Loudermill (pre-termination) win rate — saving jobs and
  protecting members

• Negotiated the transition of Transdev Everett coach operators to Community Transit,
  resulting in significantly higher pay and overall benefits for these hardworking members

• Achieved the highest membership numbers in our Local’s history

• Maintained the strongest financial standing our Local has ever had — operating under
  budget each year and save a minimum of 16% of annual revenue

 

​Moving Forward Together
 

In the next term, my priorities include:

• Ratifying open contracts with substantial wage and language improvements

• Expanding training opportunities for our Executive Board and Shop Stewards to strengthen the work of the Local

• Advancing health and safety protections for all classifications, including mentorship, apprenticeship, and peer-to-peer programs in development

• Completing our digital recordkeeping project to improve efficiency and transparency

• Continuing to strengthen regional and national partnerships to keep labor’s voice strong in the transit industry

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