Edward Perez: Union Steward Fights for Fairness at Hazel Hawkins Hospital

Edward Perez: A Union Steward's Journey at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

Edward Perez, a long-time resident of Prunedale, California, grew up listening to his father, Peter Perez, recount stories from his time as a lineman at PacBell and as an active union leader. Although Edward did not follow his father into the telephone company, he embraced the union principles and became a steward at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, where he has served as a surgical tech for 21 years.

For the past eight years, Perez has been a steadfast steward, advocating for his colleagues and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. "There are some people who are willing to lead and some people willing to be led," Perez stated. "I’m one of those people who is willing to fight and rally the troops and fight for what is fair and what is right."

As the go-to person for his coworkers facing various issues, Perez does not hesitate to confront management. "I have no problem going to HR to hash out things if my coworkers are not being treated fairly," he said. "I find it very rewarding. I take it very seriously to have a positive outcome with management."

Perez emphasizes the importance of understanding the union contract and encourages his colleagues to advocate for themselves based on their contractual rights. "I try to help educate our members about our contract so they know their rights," he explained. "I think educating your fellow members is a big part of being a steward."

Highlighting the power of unity, Perez believes in the significant impact a union can make in a workplace, a principle he attributes to the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. "It’s about strength in numbers," he said. "It’s a lot easier to be treated fairly and respected when you have unity rather than being one individual."

Drawing from his father’s teachings, Perez stresses the importance of union solidarity, especially during strikes. "I decided that if I was ever part of a union, I would always honor a strike vote if approved by the workers," he affirmed. This commitment was evident when Perez, along with a majority of hospital workers, voted to approve a strike that played a crucial role in securing a contract with 12.5 percent retroactive pay raises.

Reflecting on the challenging negotiations that spanned nearly two years amid the hospital’s bankruptcy proceedings, Perez expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome. "Everyone is happy and relieved that it’s over," he said. "We got a contract that is fair for our members."