Page 8 - Work Force April 2016

In light of transition, an activist grows
Turbulent, transitional and personally transformative describe the last five years for Migdalia Perry, CSEA’s 2015 Private Sector Mission Achievement Award recipient.
As a housekeeper at Fulton County’s nursing home, Perry’s work conditions were running smoothly until the county sold the infirmary to a private company. Perry took a crash course in activism, honing her leadership skills to help her co-workers as rumors and chaos ensued after news of the sale.
Staff jumped ship, some to preserve their retirement, while others didn’t want to stick around for changes they felt would be negative for residents and staff.
But some workers, including Perry, stuck it out, mostly out of concern for the residents.
Perry began seeing inequities, including people being mistreated and a lack of respect. Policies, procedures and schedules that workers had previously relied on to keep order was now out the window.
Rolling up her sleeves
That’s when Perry put on her proverbial boots to work toward improving conditions at the nursing home.
As a new CSEA officer, Perry settled into her role through learning by example and mistakes. As she learned, Perry sent a clear signal to management that union-represented employees at the facility had to be dealt with.
“It was a learning curve for them and for us,” said Perry of her early days of dealing with the home’s new management and her overwhelming desire for “things to be fair.”
Over time, more balance between the sides was introduced, and Perry said that the relationship between the union and management is much better now.
“Now, the union is part of the conversation,” Perry said. “We are more of a team.”
Negotiations are underway for the workers’ second contract under the
new management company, and Perry is harnessing her power and getting results for workers.
The Work Force sat down with Perry to learn more about her training and how she stays focused.
The Work Force (WF): Migdalia, you are so close to your second contract. This is a really big deal.
Migdalia Perry (MP): It really is. When we got the first contract, I thought, ‘Let’s start with something to get us going and then we can add to it.’ I would make notes about what things to add and now that we are at the table, we have a chance to add those in, to build.
WF: Can you give an example of the type of things you are adding?
MP: Before, when we were with the county, we had a sick leave bank. I would like to try to get that back. Why should someone who is sick have to worry about his or her job? Why do they need to worry if they have enough sick time or if they will not get paid while they are in treatment.
WF: How did you get through all the craziness?
MP: I would tell anyone wanting to be more active to find good people who will stick with you. My officers, who I call ‘my girls,’ have been with me from the start. Sometimes, it felt like it was us against the world. We are moral support for each other. I can’t do it myself.
WF: What else helped you?
MP: Finding mentors. I met another (CSEA) officer at a conference who has helped me a lot. She texts me every now and then to check in and see how I am doing. It’s also important to go to the trainings and the conferences to learn and to meet other people. They have experience to share. I have learned a lot from other CSEA activists.
WF: You mentioned that your labor relations specialist (LRS) has been helpful to you.
MP: Oh, yes. My previous LRS, Charles Barley, helped us out so much, but I am also very happy with my new LRS, Ed Herbert. I know he is just a phone call away when I need him. I get a lot of help and support from CSEA staff.
Perry
WF: We spoke earlier about how sometimes it can be intimidating to deal with management, especially if it seems they don’t accept you as an equal. What kind of things help you keep on track?
MP: For me, it helps to visualize an outcome, good and bad. I ask myself, what is at stake here? What does success look like? What do we stand to lose?
WF: What are some of your guiding principles when it comes to activists getting courage from within?
MP: I try to stay positive, to believe in myself and the work we are doing to help others. I am proud to be a CSEA activist and union member working to improve working conditions and the employer/ employee relationship.
— Therese Assalian
8 The Work Force
April 2016
Right, from top, members of the Fulton Center’s negotiating team, Donna Lee Battisti, Carrie Ahrens, Sharon Brink, Jackie Cromer and Chris Baird.
Want to get more active in your union? Serve on a committee or become a shop steward? Your union needs you! Call your local or unit president and ask how YOU can get active. Sign in to MyCSEA at cseany.org for contact information.