Mike joined Local 555 in August 2000 when he started working as a Bus Driver for Laidlaw (now First Student) in Coos Bay, OR.  He was a Shop Steward and Safety Committee Member for 5 years, serving as Secretary and Chairman.  He was also the representative for Laidlaw on the Coos Bay School Districts Safety Committee and a delegate to the Southwestern Oregon Labor Council.  Mike frequently spoke before other organizations and public bodies advocating for the needs of his fellow co-workers.  As a Shop Steward, Mike gained experience with collective bargaining, serving on steering and negotiating committees; as well as investigating and negotiating settlements to grievances.  In 2004 he was a part of a committee that researched health care, and brought affordable health care options to the employees at Laidlaw.

In July 2006 Mike was hired to work for Local 555.  Prior to being promoted to his current position as a “Field Rep,” Mike spent his first year on staff working as an "In House Rep," where he assisted members from all areas of Local 555’s jurisdiction.  Since becoming a Field Rep, Mike has worked in Vancouver, The Dalles, Hood River, Pendleton, Eastern Oregon, and all areas of the greater Portland Metro area.  He is currently a delegate to both the Mid-Columbia and Northwestern Oregon Labor Councils, and was previously a member of the Vancouver area labor council.  In 2008 Mike was elected by the membership of Local 555 to serve as a Vice President on the Local’s Executive Board.

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