Mark joined the United Auto Workers early in his working life. He has spent the last 30 plus years as an advocate for working Americans in and outside of his own local. He understands the importance of having a voice in a workplace and the support of a labor agreement. Serving in a number of leadership roles over the years Mark was involved in all aspects of a local Union. helping the members and leaders around him throughout his career. Mark finds the idea of doing a Community Access Radio program about labor a rewarding experience. Involved in many organizing campaigns, contract negotiations, arbitration, the writing of contract language and being on the picket line; Mark has a strong history of support for the American worker.

He brings his varied experiences to Labor Radio each month as he interviews working people and reviews data and information essential to working families. Politics always play a role in the bigger picture for working people. In the words of Labor Leader Walter Reuther “There’s a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls.”

Mark’s perspective on unions comes from working tirelessly over the years “for the members.” The contractual obligations that are agreed to, have to be maintained over the life of the agreement. Keeping a membership informed and engaged is an important role that all union leaders have to maintain. Putting in the extra time and following up on the promises is what good union leaders do to take care of their membership.

Union membership provides gains for the entire family. When unions thrive in a community, all will benefit. The presence of unions sets off a wage race to the top. The absence of unions sets off a wage race to the bottom.