Rhonda "Good Trouble" Finney

Vote Rhonda Finney for Delegate

Greetings, my fellow members, I’m Rhonda Finney(RN-retired). I’m a seasoned, dynamic, experienced, and skilled employee advocate seeking your support and vote for Delegate. I look forward to the opportunity to effectively represent and serve the best interests of the members and bargaining unit employees. With an emphasis on mutual respect, all members are entitled to professional and cohesive representation regardless of job title, position or job location. I’m currently a volunteer with the local and look forward to the opportunity to expand and share my experience, knowledge, and skills with others focused on improving our organization.

VA background: Retired Sept 30, 2021, after completing 36 years of service: Mental Health (JC- Bell Street Clinic 2006-2021); JB Mental Health(inpatient/outpatient 1985-2006)

Union Activist/ Advocacy
My introduction to unions and unionism began as a child engaging in talks on how the union changed working conditions for the benefit of the workers and their families, understanding why he and other family members were on strike to stand up for their rights… I was raised to seek jobs with a union and to make sure you join!

After graduating from nursing school, I was fortunate enough to get hired at a government facility with strong union presence, good labor and employee relations. My mentor was a night nurse and union steward who commanded attention as she entered the unit. She represented the union with such confidence, enthusiasm and finesse while providing information and encouragement to staff. There was always communication and follow up on concerns. Management paid attention and gave her tremendous respect. I took advantage of every situation to learn as much as possible about labor- management. I was not a steward but my feel at advocating for employees was launched. The knowledge and tools I learned prepared me for my future.

When I started at the VA in 1985, only Title 5 employees were covered by the union. Title 38 or professionals were not covered, and it was definitely challenging. I used valuable tools and lessons to help me maneuver through a system that boldly and frequently reminded me “…you’re on probation for 2 years and don’t have a union to stand up for you…” I used the agency’s employee handbook to my advantage, reviewed the Master Agreement for guidance, and shared this information with coworkers. I wasn’t afraid to speak up for myself and others.

Title 38 employees became unionized in 1999, and working conditions improved. Overtime versus Comp time was a big difference for me: at least now I could get my money when forced to stay at work under the threat of being charged with abandoning my job! I joined Sept 1999 and remain in good standing.

Union Education and Training: I have completed the following AFGE training: including in-person, classroom, self-paced online courses and webinars offered through AFGE.org: Basic and Advanced Steward; Basic and Advanced EEO; OWCP; Collective Bargaining; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Union Positions: I have served as a Steward, Chief Steward-Professional, EEO representative, Women and Fair Practice coordinator, co-chair DEI committee, and participant in community events(rallies, domestic violence, clean up). My advocacy for employees and unions has not wavered as I continue to fight for our rights and support the cause.

I am committed to our union community and believe my experiences, dedication, skills and drive will help our local be more successful as a union. [U-n(+) I]ion = Union. As the late Congressman John Lewis said
“…make some noise…good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Your vote is imperative! Please don’t pass up the chance for the Groundbreaker team to move this local forward. We can make a difference together. You matter, and your vote matters. Make it count, thank you!
Rhonda aka Shorty aka Good Trouble Finney