Tell us about your work. What do you do? How long have you worked there?

[TB]: I am a Forensic Scientist 1 at the North Regional Laboratory of the New Jersey State Police. As a seized drug analyst, I test physical evidence for the presence or absence of controlled substances. I’ve worked for the State Police for 6.5 years.

 

What made you become a Shop Steward?

[TB]: I became a Shop Steward because my office hadn’t had a steward in the three years before I was hired, and I wanted to make sure that my coworkers and I were represented in the Union and supported in the workplace.

 

What lessons have you learned from your time as a Shop Steward?

[TB]: I have learned to communicate better, as well as gained more self-confidence in standing up to management for myself and my coworkers.

 

Has being in a union helped work through challenges at work?

[TB]: Being in a union has helped work through challenges at work by keeping supervisors honest.

 

Why do you think so many people are unionizing today?

[TB]: I think so many people are unionizing today because they realize that management doesn’t have the workers’ best interest at heart. It’s up to workers to advocate for better health care, wages, and workplace safety.

 

Do you have any tips for members considering becoming a Shop Steward?

[TB]: A tip for members considering becoming a Shop Steward is that it is a great way to expand your horizons and get to know your coworkers better.