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Master puzzle builder

Air Force veteran new JBLM union leader

Mario Padilla is the newly elected president of AFGE 1504. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

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Puzzles can be a challenge to complete.

"Each individual is a piece of the puzzle," began Mario Padilla, the newly elected president of American Federation of Government (AFGE) local 1504.

An Air Force veteran of 24 years, Padilla is now a civilian employee assigned to the vehicle operations element of the 627th Logistics Readiness Squadron at McChord Field.

"The pieces have to come together to form a team that works together to maintain our union benefits."

Joining Padilla in guiding the 250 plus members of AFGE local 1504 are Daniel Fernandez, vice president, Lori Hines, treasurer, Deborah Robson, secretary and Jennifer Green, legislative delegate.

All will be sworn in Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Building T1143, the union's meeting place.

Created in 1932 and affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO), the AFGE is the largest federal employee union that represents 670,000 federal government workers nationwide and overseas.

The union is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and is divided into 12 geographical districts nationwide.

The leadership team of AFGE local 1504 has a lot of pieces of the puzzle to put together.

"Visibility.  This union should be larger, and I want to change this," stressed Padilla.

"I also want to increase communication with our members."

This puzzle master is serious.

"When was the last time you heard anything from the union or received a phone call?" challenged Padilla in his election literature.

He went on to write that AFGE 1504's Facebook page had only six posts over the last 20 months.

"Our AFGE 1504 webpage is outdated and has no current articles or union news," continued Padilla.  

"Do you members even know this is a (union) election year?  Did you?"

The questions underscore the fundamental challenge of reconstructing the AFGE 1504 from what it is into a proactive union.

Padilla continually stated that he will provide leadership through communication, a vastly improved website and a proactive approach to addressing members' working conditions and work schedules.

"My service as a senior noncommissioned officer in the Air Force has helped me prepare for the work we've got ahead of us," concluded Padilla.

"I know how to reach out to people and bring them together as a team that gets things done.  I am looking forward to the challenge."

The AFGE 1504 meets every third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Building T1143 is located on the corner of 9th Division and Stryker Avenue.  For more information, contact Padilla at 253.732.1755.

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