Local 848 members in District 76, second shift at Vought, made union history in the elections just past. They elected the local's first Asian-American officer!
David Le had never run for office before, though he had joined our union as soon as he came to work at Vought in 1985. Just three short years earlier, he had arrived alone to this country from Vietnam.
Le campaigned among bond shop, paint shop, and maintenance workers. He campaigned on his qualifications for the job and his program, which was specified in his literature. He had cautioned all supporters that they should not campaign negatively, even if other candidates' supporters did.
Le was asked if he had experienced any racial discrimination in the United
States. He replied, "All the time. But I don't take it personally, and
I try not to hold it against people." Here is part of a note he had written:
"For twenty years this Union has supported me as I progressed up through
the ranks and I am really proud to have been elected as Union Steward. I look
forward to working with the leadership to keep our union strong and protect
the rights of the members. I promise you all that I will fight hard every day
to ensure our members are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."
Le's Zone 7 Committeeman, Wayne Hastings, is proud of his new steward and proud
of District 76 for electing him. Hastings made this comment about democracy
and fairness in America: "My Uncle Eugene died in Vietnam, and this is
what he died for!"