Cristen Harrington, California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).
What made you decide to start working for the State?
After a lifetime of working in private industry, then working in construction, I had seen many examples of working for companies doing illegal or unethical things. I was able to go to college at 38 and eventually earned my degree in Labor Studies. I wanted to work for the “labor police,” i.e., the Labor Commissioner’s Office. It took me three years of trying, then I made it in. After a year, I came to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and I love what I do.
How has your leadership evolved since becoming a steward?
Although I have been an SEIU Local 1000 member since I started with the State, I did not become a steward until the beginning of 2020. After I became a steward, my DLC president asked if I would be willing to be a Classification Bargaining Unit Representative (CBUR) and to go to the Statewide Bargaining Advisory Committee (SBAC) for my DLC. I caught the passion! Since my work has been in the field rather than primarily in the office, I feel it has been a good fit. With the guidance and mentorship of Susan Rodriguez, Bargaining Unit 1 Chair, Mike Ramos, Bargaining Unit 1 Vice-chair, and Vincent Green, Bargaining Unit 1 Alternate Vice-chair, I learned to speak up more effectively, and I have been able to work in various capacities to strengthen and champion our rights and our contract.
What motivated you to step into leadership?
I was originally “volun-told,” but I am glad I said yes. I have learned a lot about working for the State, and I have developed my ability to say something when I see things happening that are unjust, unethical, or a violation of our rights.
What continues to inspire your involvement in this work?
Almost every day, I get calls or emails from people who have questions, issues, or need guidance, or even simply a listening ear to let them know they are not alone. I try to create community and connection among our workforce. Bad or uneducated supervisors and managers continue to proliferate in state service, and they can destroy a person’s sense of pride and self-worth. Bad management is not my problem to fix, but I can help our people know they are not alone. The more we build our membership, the more we build a sense of solidarity and connection.