Voice of Action - UFCW 8 - Golden State - President Jacques Loveall, Editor - Jacques FAQ

Laying Down the Law

Being a UFCW 8 steward inspires Chris Enriquez to be a labor attorney

Chris Enriquez stands in front of a poster for WakeUpWalmart.org, a grassroots movement to change business practices at America's largest employer.

Chris Enriquez knew from an early age that he wanted a career in the criminal justice system. But it was his work as a UFCW 8 Steward that made him aspire to become a labor attorney.

"My uncle was a sergeant with a small police department," Enriquez said. "I looked up to him my whole life and that influenced my desire for a career in law enforcement.

"But my work as a steward caused me to rethink my original goal. I found that I enjoyed helping ensure that peoples rights are protected and that they get what they are entitled to."

Enriquez is a part-time deli Clerk at Vons in Fresno. He is also a fulltime student at Fresno State. "I first became a Steward in 2005 at a Vons in Southern California," he recalled.

"I soon found that one of my colleagues was eligible for health benefits but had not received the necessary paperwork. I knew someone at the health benefits trust fund,

"I have just about memorized all of [the contract's] key provisions... If one of my colleagues asks me a question, I'm prepared to answer it correctly."

so I made a call and the issue was resolved. That caught the attention of my Union Representative and he suggested I become a Steward." It didn't take much to persuade him to accept.

"I enjoy helping people," Enriquez said, "and I know that Unions are vital to protecting members' rights on the job."

One of his first efforts in his new role was to study the Union contract. "I have just about memorized all of its key provisions," he said with evident pride. "If one of my

colleagues asks me a question, I'm prepared to answer it correctly." When he is not at work or in school, Enriquez works as an intern in Fresno's public defender's office.

"It gives me invaluable insight into the legal profession," Enriquez said. "I interview clients to get information and I work with the district attorney's office to help craft plea bargains for minor offenses."

He also works as the webmaster for the Kern/Inyo/Mono County Central Labor Council and frequently volunteers to help the Union on its Walmart, Foods Co and Fresh & Easy campaigns.

His most recent Union volunteer effort was informing members about the importance of voting for Labor-friendly candidates in the last election. "I try to be there whenever my Union needs me," he said. "My mom and dad are both Union members.

Unions are the reason we have the pay, benefits and job protections we have." Enriquez will graduate from Fresno State in 2011 and hopes to begin law school in the fall.

		JACQUES LOVEALL, President, Intl. Vice President Main Office 2200 Professional Dr, Roseville, CA 95661 (916) 786 - 0588 (888) 8 E I G H T

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