We are the United Steelworkers, North America’s largest industrial union. We’re 1.2 million members and retirees strong in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. We proudly represent men and women who work in nearly every industry there is.
Prior joining FUSD, I was an active member of a local municipality association. In 1989, I was hired as one of the first P.O.S.T. (Police Officers Standard and Training) certified officer with the school police department. I have played an active role to unionize the department and have the department certified as a P.O.S.T. agency. I spent 6 years as the association president representing the department. During my time as president, I have attended several collective bargaining conferences, past member of district budget committee, benefits committee and member of the community action planning. My team negotiated a 22% salary increase to be competitive with other agencies, we were also one of the first departments in the county to implement 3% @ 50 safety PERS retirement, uniform and equipment annual allowance, 4-10 modified work schedule, and district provided protective vests with regular rotation of protective vests. I have spent the last 19 years as a District Liaison with Child Welfare and Attendance. I enjoy helping families in need. The biggest reward is seeing families use the tools that we mentor to succeed with their children. I am honored to offer my knowledge as a union steward to my fellow steelworkers. I have Criminal Justice Degree, Phi Theta Kappa and I am currently in the process of completing Paralegal A.A.B. In my free time, I bowl in competitive tournaments.
Hello my name is Michelle Stephen, I have been an employee at FUSD for 21 years. I was initially hired as a clerk for the Focus and Achievement Program. I have also worked in the Comprehensive Health Department for more thatn 9 years. Currently I am working at Fontana Middle School as the Records Clerk.
My name is Trisha Garcia, but most people call me Trish. I'm one of this year's Next Generation Co-Chairs, as well as a Trustee on USW Local 8599's Executive Board. As the youngest member of the Executive Board, I proudly represent our Next Gen. I am the first Next Gen member to be elected since our committee began and I know I won't be the last. I'm also a Next Gen organizer, former flyer creater, and part of the community outreach and social media teams. I started with Fontana Unified School District in 2014 as a School Site Aide, Substitute Teacher's Aide, and now Intermediate Clerk Typist at North Tamarind Elementary. Go Cougars! What I enjoy most about my job is helping others. The other committees I'm currently on are Legislation & Education, Civil Rights, and Women of Steel. I'm also a delegate for the Inland Empire Labor Council. I enjoy volunteering in my free time because I want to know that I've made a positive difference in the world. I love to read inspirational books, travel (They also call me Tour Guide Barbie), watch my favorite teams play, and add to my Wonder Woman & Peanuts collections.
Two quotes that I live by are:
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." -Jackie Robinson
"True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire." -Cesar Chavez
My name is Carlos Garcia. I was born and raised in Fontana, CA. I am a son, grandson, and nephew of Kaiser Steel blood. Along with many other friends and family, my family traveled from Colorado leaving the farm in 1955 to Fontana to work the steel mill. My parents and siblings are Fohi graduates. I attended Live Oak Elementary, Randall Pepper Elementary, Fontana Middle, and Citrus High Continuation. I began my journey working for Fontana Unified School District as a student worker beginning at Fohi assisting the custodial staff, librarian assistant, and mailroom from 14 years of age until I graduated. Then I began working as a sub mail carrier, sub warehouse worker, and food service driver for three years. During this time, I also attended Chaffey College working on earning an A.A. in Correctional Science. I was hired in the Mail Room as a permanent employee, and promoted to warehouse driver in 2013. I was elected as Trustee of our union in 2012. I would say my inspiration comes from my mom who was a single mother of four. She juggled keeping food on the table, clothes on our backs, and attending Chaffey College to become a correctional officer, all to make a better life for her kids. I was taught at an early age to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. The words she told me while I was growing up inspired me as well. She would tell me, "Watch and learn," and "Why can't you?" The first time I said I couldn't do something I was taught there's nothing you can't do. My favorite place to eat no longer exists, Mazzulli's Pizza. My hobbies are collecting memorabilia such as fast food statues and collectibles.
