Testimonials
I’ve worked for the state 22 years. I thought the union was an organization for complainers and criers. Consequently, I never joined one apart from being and ‘Agency Fee payer’ (85 per center). I felt becoming a full paying member would just be a worthless expense of money until I met Tom Palermo.
So it was with trepidation that I approached him not knowing whether the Union would do anything for me, an ‘85 %er’. It turns out Tom didn’t care who I was. He listened. He put forth a zealousness that I found truly amazing. Two years later his efforts were no less strenuous and persistent.
I was appointed provisionally in a management title 3 years ago. Although the position was posted, there was no announcement for a test date. I waited, all the while receiving excellent PARs and reviews. Suddenly one year later, the Department removed me because “they wanted to,” supplying no documentation. I was forced back into my permanent civil service title. Clearly they wanted someone else in the spot yet I was the only one eligible to take the exam. Finally, one year later, it was announced which meant the provisional appointed had now gained the experience he needed to also become eligible. (Sound familiar?) The position was reposted along with the exam date. I took the test and passed it. Yet the Department ignored this small fact and tried to keep their chosen provisional that did not pass. They didn’t want to certify the list plus had a whole host of other excuses to keep me out.
What’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong. Thankfully for me, Tom Palermo is a big proponent of that simple philosophy. If idea A didn’t pan out Tom went to idea B. He never stopped banging on their door. To management he may appear annoying, but he gets the job done. He worked day and night for 18 months and finally had the provisional removed. Then they appointed 2 others! He had them removed as well.
At last, due to the direct intervention of the Union, the Department realized that I was the only person truly eligible for the appointment. Now, after having passed my WTP, I am permanent in a very high management title which, unfortunately, is not a bargaining unit title. It would have never happened without Tom. He was always available and/or always got back to me. This man has single-handedly changed my opinion of Unions 100%. And not just for myself, but others too.
More people need to realize that the Union has certain tools in the Union toolbox BUT it takes a certain person to know how to use them that makes the difference. These tools include: contacts – knowing who to go to; knowledge- knowing the state statutes; experience – having established in-roads. Again, the right tools aren’t enough; you need a person in charge that knows how to use them. With the right person in charge, Tom Palermo, there’s no end to what the Union can do for you.
Converted through action