Jim Crowley: Up Close and Personal

Without a union forget raises, vacation, everything in our contract is up for grabs.

In 1974 when Jim Crowley started working at Moorpark College as a
student worker he got some advice he never forgot. “Don’t ever vote the
union out,” his co-workers told him. “We need representation or we’re
sunk. Without a union, forget raises, vacation, everything in our contract is up
for grabs.”

It’s advice that he’s taken to heart during his more than 30 years at the college.
He never left, says Jim, in great part because he’s had a union job all these
years. “I like the security and the working environment … We have the salary
nd a ‘cadillac’ healthcare plan, all because of the union.”

There have been tough times, however. In 2003 there were threats of massive
layoffs. “We were hit hard with budget cuts but we convinced the District to
back off on the layoffs … We had it in our contract, the District had to consult
with us to see if we could come up with an alternative.” Workers came together
in solidarity and took a temporary cut in pay to save their co-workers
jobs.

This year, with California’s budget in crisis, Jim says workers will have to stand
strong to protect their gains. “It seems community colleges are more vulnerable
to state funding. We’re in no man’s land. We’re not K-12 and we’re not in
the university system … It’s why we need to get involved – lobby in Sacramento,
become a Steward, show up at the board meetings.”

Even after all these years, Jim won’t let up. He says participation is key to
maintaining a good working environment. “We didn’t get to where we are
because someone gave it to us. We’ve been fighting for it.” It’s what keeps him
active as a Steward and Bargaining Team Member and why he wants to make
sure future employees are protected. “I feel really blessed. I want my co-workers
to have everything I’ve had.”