Candidate for President
Tom Hamilton
What are your qualifications for this office?
I have been an OPEU member since 1990 when I started
with the Department of Justice in July of that year. I have
been a steward since 1992. I have been Local 137 President
for six years. Justice is one of the largest locals in OPEU. I
serve on the arbitration screening committee. I have
worked to bring the Department of Justice from no union
presence to a strong local with a very productive labor/
management committee.
Union experience not itemized above:
I attend General Council and serve as bargaining delegate for Local 137.
Why are you seeking this office?
I think the time is right for a moderate Republican union leader to lead OPEU. The
political climate is such that bridges can be built with the Republican side of the
legislature. Not all Republicans, however. If I can build cooperation between the
Republican party and OPEU, we will benefit greatly.
What are your goals for OPEU during your term of office?
To establish productive labor/management committees within EVERY OPEU local.
Problem resolution through labor/management will improve work life quality for all
members. The thousands of represented workers have good ideas to make government
better. Labor/management is the place to discuss those ideas.
What is the biggest single issue the union will face during your term?
Building a strong union whose members are active, productive and committed.
How would you propose to resolve it?
Members have to know that what they say is being considered, not just sloughed off.
When they know their opinions are valued they will work better and stronger as a
team with their managers and supervisors. Building relationships within the