My name is AnnMarie Blackburn, and I am excited to be a candidate for the District 2 Head Steward (Recording Secretary) with CAPS-UAW 1115. I am an Environmental Scientist at Caltrans where I work to ensure protection of endangered species and their habitat during construction of highway related projects. I became involved with CAPS during the historic 2023 strike where I helped to secure the location of our local strike in San Luis Obispo and organized those at my worksite to attend. I currently serve as a local representative with CAPS-UAW, where I conduct New Employee Orientations with new hires, Know Your Rights trainings with members, and file paycheck related grievances. I also acted on the Contract Action Team during bargaining that resulted in our 2024 MOU. 

Over the last few years I have seen CAPS evolve to be an organized and highly motivated group of members who demand better. Watching our union switch from a service model to an organizing model has really opened my eyes to the power of organizing. I have loved to see the membership become more knowledgeable about our rights and also become more eager to participate in organizing practices. Seeing this change in real time has inspired me to step up and dedicate more of my time and effort to this union.

If elected, my primary goals are to further engage the District 2 membership. Specifically my goal is to ensure the membership remains educated and ready to act when called upon. I believe that providing the proper education can help motivate members to engage with others, organize at their worksite, and build a strong membership that will stand up for what we deserve. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the opportunity to serve CAPS-UAW 1115 and to work together towards a prosperous future.