Vote 2007 Q&A: Tom Nagle
A while back, I invited all 2007 candidates for Local 384′s executive board to contact me if they wanted to be interviewed here. I am willing to post interviews with any and all candidates for this year’s Local 384 election, provided they contact me before October 12, 2007.
The interview questions below were submitted to Tom Nagle, a candidate for Vice-President in the 2007 local election. Here are those questions along with his answers:
What was your first exposure to union culture (through family, job experience, etc.)?
My family are Irish immigrants that settled in Western Pennsylvania. They were all Coal Miners, so I would say that although I was very young at that time, it was my first exposure to union culture. The United Mine Workers Union dates back to 1890. I think it’s safe to say that we all are familiar with the hardships of the Coal Miner. My first unionized job began in 1978 with UPS, as a Teamster of Local 429 in Reading, PA.
In what ways have you been actively involved in the union to this point?
I have always been a reform minded activist, and in my travels I met a great man by the name of Ron Carey who at that time was President of Local 804. Ron was just beginning his campaign to run for International President of the Teamsters. After hearing him speak on a number of occasions, I was so energized by him, that I became directly involved with his campaign in the Philadelphia area, including running as a delegate to Ron’s election. It was such a historical time for the members of the union, because for the first time in Teamster History, the members were going to actually elect their own Leaders at the International level. It was the single most grass roots campaign ever, and I am still proud to have been a part of it.
At about that same time I became a UPS Steward of the Pottstown Center, along with my first run at union office as a Trustee/Business Agent. For some ten years I had served as Steward in the center, and to this day, I am honored to still feel the trust and respect of those I have served there. Words cannot describe the feelings I’ve experienced just recently, while campaigning to be elected for Vice President of Local 384. The support and adulation I have received from my brothers and sister, has been overwhelming. I feel so honored, and will proudly serve all members of Local 384 when elected.
How would you prioritize the responsibilities of union leadership (tasks like contract negotiation, enforcement, grievance resolution, informing and training members)?
The first has got to be information. The members have to be informed. After all, Rob [Ramsey] and I are the “informative candidates” in this election. So again, I’ll quote Thomas Jefferson:
“An informed electorate is the basis for a sound Democracy.”
A Union Representative’s priorities, no matter what the order, depend on a well informed and educated membership. They are the ones in the trenches. We as Officials need to provide them with the proper tools to not only protect themselves, but to aide us in our efforts to support and protect them. That being said, enforcement, and grievance resolution is more attainable. As far as contract negotiation…I also feel the members are key. They need to be directly involved in the process. After all, who knows better what their everyday needs are, and what needs to be negotiated in order to attain it?
Does the lack of involvement by most union members bother you? If so, do you have any ideas to remedy the situation?
Yes, off course it bothers me. We all have so little time for our selves in our personal lives. Not that I’m opening the door of excuses, but I feel we could remedy it somewhat, by merely simplifying there involvement. And again I go back to being informative. Once the members have a more clear understanding of their contractual rights, and are at ease with knowing they have a Business agent that stands behind them, the lack of involvement will turn around.
What is your primary motivation for seeking office?
Simply put, it comes natural to me to want to stick up for anyone that has been unjustly treated.
What personal experience most qualifies you for the office you seek?
All of the above. Everyday I learn something new. I have my past experience, and promise to make the best of my future experience. If I don’t know something, I’ll ask, and I’ll continue to ask until I feel comfortable about the answer.
For more information on Tom Nagle, you can visit his campaign website www.getmorefrom384.com.
If you are a candidate for this year’s Local 384 officer election who’d like to be included in this Q&A format, please click here, or email info(at)cybersteward.net.
Click here to see an index of all Q&A posts on 2007 candidates for Local 384.
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Filed under: Teamsters Local 384, Vote 2007 Q and A, elections, unionism
