Soaring with Accountability: Elevating Our Union’s Future
Our Union's strength lies in holding our leaders accountable and ensuring they work tirelessly for our collective success. Everything rises and falls on leadership. As your Regional Vice President (RVP) candidate, I am committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and relentless advocacy for our members.
Commitment to Accountability
Accountability is the bedrock of a successful Union. As your RVP, I will ensure that our leadership takes ownership of our successes and challenges. Acknowledging and learning from our shortcomings is the only way to progress and thrive.
Celebrating Our Achievements
The AVS Contract Bargaining Team has demonstrated unwavering dedication, negotiating tirelessly to secure a GREAT contract. Their contributions, which deserve far more gratitude than I can express, are a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and determination. Serving on this team is more than a role—it is a calling that requires a deep understanding of personal and professional sacrifices.
A Call for Change
Despite his good intentions, our current RVP made decisions that have severely hindered our ability to enforce our contract effectively. These decisions have resulted in:
Loss of Credibility: The RVP’s inability to defend the existing contract has damaged our reputation, allowing the Agency to violate the agreement with impunity.
Lack of Responsiveness: Legitimate concerns expressed by members have been consistently met with obfuscation, contempt, and personal attacks rather than constructive dialogue and resolution. This behavior is unacceptable and damaging to our collective strength.
Inadequate Leadership: While commendable in intent, the RVP's singular focus on his involvement with the bargaining team has not translated into effective contract administration or enforcement. His failure to balance multiple critical responsibilities has left our Union vulnerable.
Failure to Engage: The refusal to accept criticism and acknowledge the harm caused by his decisions reflects a troubling lack of accountability and responsiveness.
Weak Interaction with the Agency: The RVP’s ineffective management has prevented us from asserting our position effectively, resulting in the Agency exploiting our weaknesses. Grievances are consistently denied at all steps, forcing the Union to pay 10k to bring a single grievance to arbitration.
These failures highlight the urgent need for change in our leadership. Our Union deserves a leader who will acknowledge their shortcomings, take decisive action to rectify them, and prevent future issues.
Vision for Accountable Leadership
As your RVP, my vision for accountable leadership includes:
Two-way Collaboration: Engaging openly with members to gather and act upon feedback. I will create an environment where every member feels heard and valued.
Recognition and Ownership: Celebrating team contributions and owning up to any shortcomings. True leaders recognize the hard work of their team and are transparent about their own areas for improvement.
Fierce Advocacy: Standing firmly by our members and ensuring their rights are protected. I will relentlessly advocate for our Union, fighting against injustices and ensuring our contract is enforced fully.
Effective Communication: Maintaining clear and open lines of communication with all members. Transparency and regular updates will be a hallmark of my leadership.
Proactive Problem-Solving: Addressing issues head-on and finding solutions before they escalate. I will work tirelessly to anticipate challenges and respond swiftly to any concerns.
My Promise to You
I am committed to being an RVP who listens, learns, and leads purposefully. You can count on me to never side with the Agency over our team. I will stand by you, fight for your rights, and ensure our Union remains strong and united.
Together, we can build a Union that not only survives but thrives. Vote for accountability, transparency, and unwavering advocacy. Vote for a future where every member's voice is heard and respected.
In solidarity,
Mary Alice Oaks
