My name is Raymond Allen. I am an Electrical Supervisor for the Maintenance Department at Compton Unified. I’ve worked for the District for almost five years. In all that time I never had problems at work. I never had to file a grievance.
But about a year ago, I was unfairly terminated. The District claimed I had violated a policy.
But I had never seen that policy. I had never been trained on that policy. In fact, the past practice for almost 40 years at the District had violated the policy. When the District brought the allegations to me I said, “no, this is not right.”
I went to my Steward, Adrian Cleveland. She was on the front lines with me all the way. We filed an appeal with the Personnel Commission. It was a team effort with Juan Martinez from Local 99’s Member Resource Center. It was important to have a Local 99 member who works for the District on my team as well as a union representative. It was a team effort.
It was not easy. I was out for a year. At one point the District made me an offer. They said I could come back to work if I didn’t talk. Their lawyer thought I was going to cave-in because I needed the money. But I wouldn’t coward down. I told them, “I can’t accept the offer. I didn’t violate anything.”
I stuck it out. At the hearings sometimes I felt that we were losing. But I felt in my heart that I didn’t do anything to be terminated. Finally, the ruling came in my favor. I got my job back with full benefits and all the back pay.
It was great to finally win and get back to work, but I feel that my victory was a victory for all union members. That’s why I wanted to share my story with you. I’m here to tell you that you’ve got to come forth if you really want to see change. If you are right, you have to stand up and fight all the way. Stand your ground until you get what you deserve. The union is there to help us. But it’s a two-way street. The union is only as strong as the members.
If you have a worksite issue or problem, contact SEIU Local 99’s Member Resource Center at 213-637-0296.
Have a story you’d like to share? Write to communications@seiu99.org
