Darilyn Causey loves representing members as an SEIU 721 Union Steward. But her journey into union life began during her previous job with telecommunications giant Verizon – an experience that left a lot to be desired.
“I wanted to become a steward because I was a steward for Verizon,” Causey explained. “I had an issue there. They didn’t do a good job and I had to represent myself.”
She became a Steward with 721 soon after joining the LA County Dept. of Children and Family Services as an Intermediate Typist Clerk in 2012.
“I like helping people,” Darilyn said. “I think that everyone has a voice – and we should be heard. Through the union, we can be heard.”
As a steward and, later, as a member of the bargaining team – Darilyn saw The Union Difference up close.
“I was really fascinated by all that went into bargaining,” she said. We were there until 3 or 4 in the morning negotiating. It gave me a newfound respect for the union — all the work that SEIU advocates put into negotiating for the employees.”
“Everyone that I’ve encountered at the union has been fabulous,” Darilyn said.
“I’m very proud to be a part of SEIU 721 because I knew that they worked hard for us. So, I wanted to ensure that I worked just as hard for them and my co-workers.”
That meant keeping up to date with all the latest tactics via SEIU 721’s steward workshops.
“Knowing your contract – I’m in that class right now – I don’t care how many times I read my MOU, I learn something new every time I go to the class,” she said. “Just because managers want to make us believe that they are always right about the contract doesn’t mean they are.”