I became a Contract Action Team (CAT) member because I didn’t want to be the person who sits on the sidelines and watches things happen. With the Affordable Care Act implementation, there are going to be tons of changes to how we do things at work. It’s important to be on top of the policies which affect us and the services we provide to patients.
CAT team members move information in and out of their work site to the bargaining table. I’m the sort of person who likes to have and share information, so this is a great role for me. I’ve been a steward for a while, so my co-workers know to come to me with any concerns and questions.
We want a contract that preserves our rights as workers who provide vital community services throughout Los Angeles County, but we also want to use this opportunity to advocate for the working class all across our County. That’s why we support raising the living wage to $15 per hour. We all need to be able to support ourselves and our families. That’s the American Dream, which is on life support right now. But we have a special opportunity to breathe some life back into it. If we all step up, I know we can be successful.
-Emile “Mo” AcostaLA County Intermediate Clerk, Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center