Unity Slate Delivers Living Wage and Secure Benefits for Local 481

My name is Mary-Ellen Jordan and I’m a Divisional Sales Clerk at the San Diego Zoo.  I’m here to tell you all why I’m supporting the re-election of the current executive board (The Unity Slate) in the upcoming Local 481 election.  

Led by Victor Torres, the current slate fought tirelessly for well over a year to secure a living wage for all SDZWA Union employees, while still maintaining our benefits without employee cost sharing.

They succeeded in spite of resistance from the powers-that-be because they had the experience to handle whatever obstacles were put in their path.  We are all better off right now because of their massive efforts, but this is only the beginning.  Four years goes by quickly, and before you know it, it will be time to negotiate the next contract.  Once again, we’ll be counting on our board to fight for us and win.  

The question is, do we want to re-elect a slate of proven winners with years of experience, or do we want to elect a slate of people who think they can do better, but have zero experience in union negotiations?  

It seems like a simple decision to me, and it’s a decision that will greatly affect all of us in the future. Our current executive board has most definitely earned the right to continue to represent Local 481, and it is my hope that my fellow union members will agree.  As the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”.  

  Mary-Ellen Jordan