There are many varying opinions about labor unions from people inside the membership and out. Many of the negative thoughts about labor unions have generally come from people who have never belonged to a union and only know what they have heard from other non-union people. They don’t have a good understanding of what a union is and how it benefits the members. Throughout the years I have been asked, why did I join the Union. For me, the answer has changed and evolved over my career in the industry. In the beginning, it was quite simply, that there was better pay and benefits than what I currently had at the time. I was working in the office at a union sheet metal company as a draftsman and helping to estimate jobs. I was working for a base hourly wage with no benefits. My wife and I wanted to start a family and I needed insurance and higher wages. I was not from a union background, and honestly, I didn’t know much about it. I started asking questions to the shop foreman, and he told me about the apprenticeship, what it involved, and what I would be doing as a sheet metal worker. He led me to the people I needed to talk to for applying, and I was accepted. I knew nothing about the trade but quickly learned to love it. As a 1st year apprentice, I attended my first contract ratification meeting. That’s when I started to see what a Union does and how it operates. I had never seen firsthand, a situation where the workers get together and decide collectively on wages and benefits. Being able to see democracy in action besides just voting on election day, was powerful, and I’ll never forget it. So, why did I join the Union? Through the years, the union has provided me with good wages and insurance so that my wife and I could raise our family comfortably, while also being able to spend evenings and weekends together as a family. The union was the perfect fit for our needs then and still is today. It is also one of the only work environments where members get to collectively be involved in discussions over wages, working conditions, and benefits. Members also have an opportunity to run for local elections, be delegates in negotiations, and have a vote that makes a difference in their family’s lives. I truly believe that our union is beneficial to the members and their families. I understand that there is always room for improvement, and I want to work toward the progress of the labor movement in Oklahoma to improve our union for future generations.

 I believe the most effective way to keep quality workers in our trade is to mentor them with patience and understanding. My personal story started with that kind of mentorship with my first shop foreman. Mark took time out of his schedule to show me how things worked while answering my questions (which was a lot) and even gave me some of my first tools. Through the years I have had many people take the time to teach me. That says so much about the quality of the people in our union. Now, over 25 years later, I haven’t lost that passion for sheet metal, and the members who work hard every day to provide for their families. I hope that somewhere along the way I have made a positive impact in someone’s life like so many others have in mine. I would like to carry my passion and love for this trade into the office of Business Manager, and with your consideration and vote, I truly believe that WE can work together to mentor and make a positive difference.