Patrick Martin has worked for the District for 14 years, 10 of those as a plumber.
“It’s important that we make sure that our schools are safe and operable for the children,” says Patrick. “When a restroom backs up, students can’t use it. When the drinking fountains don’t work, then the children don’t have their main source of water.”
Patrick decided to become a Union Steward this year. He saw things at LUSD that needed changing and decided to get involved and, as he says, fight the good fight from the inside.
“Now that I’m more involved with Local 99, I understand better some of the challenges that we face as we try to make changes. It’s not as easy as just saying this or that needs to change,” he says. “We have a real opportunity this year with our upcoming contract negotiations. To get ready for that, we’re going to look closely at our current contract and break it down line-by-line.”
Patrick has already seen a tremendous value in having the union. Recently, he’s learned of employees who were being treated unfairly until a Union Steward stepped in and stopped it.
“I look forward to being part of that—of bringing fairness and equality to the workplace.”
