Locals Honored for Rapid Response Activism
The USW’s Rapid Response Department marks its 30th anniversary this year, providing convention delegates with a special opportunity to celebrate a long list of advocacy wins and recognize locals that lead the way in activism.
Rapid Response, a non-partisan, grassroots initiative, engages members across the union in the fight for laws and policies essential to working people.
In the past three years alone, Rapid Response mobilized members to restore benefits to public-sector workers through the Social Security Fairness Act, establish the first-ever minimum staffing levels in nursing homes, and extend services to veterans through a combination of federal and state laws.
As has been the case at every convention since 2011, delegates on Thursday presented the “Spirit of the Fight” award to locals with exemplary Rapid Response programs. Here is a list of this year’s awardees:
TOP DISTRICT: D1
Director: Donnie Blatt
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Sue Browne
D1 LOCAL: 169
President: Steve Ackerman
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Curt Yarger
D4 LOCAL: 12012
President: James Marioles
Rapid Response Coordinators:
Steph Gonsalves, John Savage
D7 LOCAL: 1010
President: James Thomas
Rapid Response Committee:
Terra Samuel, Alejandro Ochoa,
Ena Rambo, and Jorge Torres
D8 LOCAL: 1693
President: Gary Clemons
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Tommy Forrest
D9 LOCAL: 362
President: Kevin Flynn
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Brendan Rogers
D10 LOCAL: 1688
President: Larue Hess
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Don Teets
D11 LOCAL: 662
President: Vince Gunaca
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Vince Gunaca
D12 LOCAL: 886
President: Greg Romero
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Raul Romero
D12 LOCAL: 915
President: Stephen Naranjo
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Richard Perez
D12 LOCAL: 5252
President: Lyle Murphy
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Rick Soza
D13 LOCAL: 13-447
President: John Gros
Rapid Response Coordinator:
Ted Campiso
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Want to Learn More?
See how the USW is making a real difference in our communities and our workplaces.