Union Steward Edward Perez Leads Successful Contract Negotiations

Edward Perez: A Union Steward Advocating for Fairness at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital

Edward Perez's upbringing in Prunedale, California, was deeply influenced by his father, Peter Perez, a dedicated lineman at PacBell who was also an active union leader. Although Edward did not pursue a career at the telephone company, he inherited his father's passion for union advocacy.

For the past 21 years, Perez has been a surgical tech at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital and has served as a union steward for the last eight years. "There are some people who are willing to lead and some people willing to be led," Perez explained. "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."

In his role as steward, Perez is the go-to person for colleagues who encounter issues at the hospital. He is not hesitant to engage with management to resolve disputes. "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 educating his coworkers about their rights under the union contract. "I try to help educate our members about our contract so they know their rights," he said. "I think educating your fellow members is a big part of being a steward."

He also highlights the significance of union solidarity, a principle he learned from his father. "It’s about strength in numbers," Perez stated. "It’s a lot easier to be treated fairly and respected when you have unity rather than being one individual."

Reflecting on his father's teachings, Perez has always upheld the value of unity 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 noted. This commitment was evident when he and a large majority of hospital workers voted to approve a strike, leading to a contract that included 12.5 percent retroactive pay raises.

"Everyone is happy and relieved that it’s over," Perez remarked about the prolonged negotiations that spanned nearly two years as the hospital faced bankruptcy. "We got a contract that is fair for our members."