Member Spotlight: Shannon Sacco

Local 611 President Shannon Sacco is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Thomas B. Finan Hospital Center in Allegany County. She is one of many dedicated nurses who provide psychiatric care to the hospital’s patients and help them reintegrate back into their communities.

Shannon has been a proud AFSCME member for nearly nine years and has seen firsthand how union power can improve working conditions. “I always tell new members there is a union difference,” she says. “You secure better wages, protections on the job, and have a seat at the table.”

Earlier this month, Shannon attended the AFSCME Maryland Leadership Conference, where union leaders from across the state gathered to learn from one another and strengthen our organizing and union-building skills.

During the conference, Shannon was inspired by the Ready, Set, Action! panel featuring various AFSCME leaders sharing their experiences leading effective workplace actions. “It was great hearing what actions others are taking”, she says. “I left with new ideas that I’m excited to bring back to my members.”

Back at her worksite, Local 611 is leading their own workplace actions, using a variety of tactics including labor management committee meetings, sticker actions, and posters and signs to push back against management’s attempts to surveil workers.

“I knew we had to act once my members brought up the issue during our membership meeting,” Shannon says. “Our message to management is simple: let people do their work without being watched 24/7. Stop the surveillance!” 

Together, Shannon and her fellow members are embodying this year’s conference theme of “Boots On The Ground” leadership by working together to demand dignity and respect on the job.