As a lead custodian at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) for nearly 30 years, AFSCME Local 3376 President Danielle Dorsey works to keep the campus buildings clean and safe for the students, staff, and faculty. "I do this work because I love helping people, and this job gives me a paycheck and benefits that help me pay my bills and take care of my family," says Danielle.
She first got involved with her union local because she was tired of the management at the time bullying staff and attempting to take things away from her union contract. "I wanted to be a part of the solution and not the problem," says Danielle. "I love helping
the lowest paid people at the college be seen and heard and respected. I see myself as a bridge between staff and management."
Her local's latest win is a clear example of what happens when workers stand together. Their wage negotiations with the college has resulted in record pay increases that will go into effect in the coming months. "Management didn't like that we took charge of the meetings and because of that, we won more than I ever could have expected," she says. "My takeaway is this: the more people who join, the more management sees that we're serious about our jobs and our work. The stronger we are, the more things we will win. And the more things we win, the more we make CCBC a better place to work."
