A Simple Truth

A Simple Truth

Roger Hilliard Builds the Union

Roger Hilliard began working for Pima County two-and-a-half years ago, right about the time we started to build the Pima County chapter of SEIU Arizona.

A maintenance mechanic at the Ina Road wastewater plant, Roger likes what he does. “It’s a good job,” he said. “I help ensure the safety of county residents and it makes me feel good to be a part of that.”

He also helps ensure that the Pima Chapter continues to grow and thrive as we prepare to Meet and Confer with the county administration. Roger is a Union Representative for Ina Road members and he has had great success in signing up new members and getting them to join SEIU’s Committee on Political Education (COPE), our political action fund.

“You just have to ask and be persistent,” he said. “I use my breaks and lunch time to talk to people about the union. I take my position (as a Union Rep) seriously because I believe in my union.”

His commitment and enthusiasm for the union are best defined by the three words he uses when speaking with co-workers: “United we stand,” says Roger. “I think that resonates with people because it’s the simple truth.”

“The more members we have, the more power we’ll have to influence change,” he added. “Without a union, you stand alone.” That’s the same philosophy he uses when asking people to contribute to COPE.

“We need people in office – from the city politicians to Washington, DC – who will support unions,” said Roger. “You have to have your political power in the right places.” SEIU Arizona’s COPE funds are used to build that political power here in Pima County and throughout the state.

It’s clear to Roger Hilliard that the value of our union is in direct proportion to the strength of our membership. And that’s why he invests his time and energy in helping to make all of us stronger. “I believe in it and my co-workers know that,” he said.

Another simple truth.