Region 1 Representative
Candidates Statements
Monica Almada
My name is Monica Almada and I am a CFI steward. I noticed our situation at work has incrementally (and rapidly) worsened in the last few years. Different groups were suffering different abuses by administrators, supervisors, dispatchers, etc. - myself included.
Region 1 is in desperate need of attention. I want to be the person to step up amid the low morale, to remind everyone that just as we manifest our own reality, we create our union every day with our words, choices, and actions. This means that we CAN create a strong group of colleagues, united by our common goals: to establish a new era of equality, a new era where we are treated as Professionals, and where our voices are heard!
Being a floater for many years (currently an A status floater) gave me the opportunity to see the different realities and cultures within our community of interpreters in different courthouses. I would always ask questions and listen to my colleagues express how they feel about their work environment, the union, their supervisors, etc. A common denominator: the feeling of having no voice, no representation, no defense against the abuses. I, myself, was frustrated to the point I gave up all hope; but since July of last year, we were finally allowed to have our own Board! The amount of work (incidents) that has been piling up in those years became enormous. I understood the union needed immediate help, and despite having a very busy personal life, I became a steward.
I quickly identified the areas in which I could be of great help; one of them being communication! It is where it all starts. I believe with a fluid regular communication between all our colleagues and the union, we will be able to rapidly identify problems, determine the necessary course of action, and most importantly, be there for each other. Communication is not just talk. It is also about understanding; and with understanding comes healing.
I am willing and eager to work with you in solidarity, to protect and defend our rights against those with negative agendas, and to build a loving and effective work environment.
It is just a matter of making a key decision: To make this happen together! Are you in?
Victoria Rea
My name is Victoria Rea, and I am very excited and grateful to receive this nomination for the position of Region 1 Representative of Local 39000.I have been a court interpreter for 15 years, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact the Union has had on our hardworking group of court interpreters. As a steward representative, colleague, and co-worker, I have fought to achieve what we are all striving for: work stability and security, fair and good wages, equality in the workplace, and benefits, which truly impact all of us as employees of the court. Especially during these unprecedented and unpredictable times, I continue to dedicate time and efforts to furthering the goals of the Union. My efforts as a steward have been instrumental in ensuring our interests and rights are protected. As a steward, I have fought against the elimination of interpreter positions, have worked to ensure that interpreters have proper equipment to carry out our work, and ensure that my colleagues have the information they need to thrive in the workplace. Having observed several meetings and negotiations with the administration and bargaining teams, I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work it takes to ensure our rights and interests as interpreters are protected. I have also gained the trust of my colleagues as a steward, and I am consistently available to my colleagues in providing support and information when they reach out. I am ready and eager to take on the role of Representative and to continue fighting to promote better working conditions and improve the quality of our workplace environment. Having observed many experienced court interpreters involved in the union, I know the time and tireless efforts it takes to work towards better benefits, increased wages, and a better working environment for court interpreters, and I am ready to contribute to the cause as a Region 1 representative.
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