Edward Pérez: Sindicato y Liderazgo en el Hospital Hazel Hawkins Memorial

Edward Pérez: A Union Leader Continuing a Family Legacy

English

Growing up in Prunedale, California, Edward Pérez was influenced by his father, Peter Pérez, a PacBell line installer and a dedicated union leader.

Though he didn't follow his father's footsteps into the telephone company, Edward embraced the union values he learned at home. For the past 21 years, he has worked as a surgical technician at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, where he also serves as a union delegate.

“There are some people who are willing to lead and others willing to be led,” said Pérez, a delegate for the past eight years. “I am one of those people who is willing to fight and mobilize the troops and fight for what is just and right.”

As a delegate, Pérez is often the first point of contact for colleagues facing various issues at the hospital, and he doesn’t shy away from challenging management.

“I have no problem going to Human Resources to resolve things if my coworkers are not being treated fairly,” he said.

“I find it very rewarding. I take having a positive outcome with management very seriously.”

To empower his colleagues, Pérez studies the contract and encourages them to stand up for themselves based on their rights outlined in the agreement.

“I try to help educate our members about our contract so they know their rights,” he said. “I believe educating colleagues is a significant part of being a delegate.”

This education includes demonstrating the crucial role a union plays in the workplace, as he believes NUHW has shown at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.

“It’s about strength in numbers,” said Pérez. “It’s much easier to be treated fairly and respected when you have unity rather than being a single individual.”

This lesson comes from his father, who always emphasized the importance of union solidarity and never crossing a picket line during a strike.

“I decided that if I were ever part of a union, I would always honor a strike vote if it was approved by the workers,” said Pérez, who, along with a large majority of hospital workers, voted to approve a strike that was pivotal in securing a contract with a 12.5 percent retroactive wage increase.

“We are all happy and relieved that it’s over,” said Pérez about the tough negotiations that lasted nearly two years while the hospital was in bankruptcy. “We got a contract that is fair for our members.”