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Since 1977, Gerald Hesson has been an influential leader representing individuals as working citizens and not just a number at their place of work. As the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFLCIO) representative, Hesson is a strong believer that employers can change with the help of the labor union. Since serving as a member of SEMCA’s Workforce Development Board, he continues to educate and recognize employers who gain value from the services offered through SEMCA. A resident of Monroe, Hesson graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in industrial labor relations and labor law from the University of Toledo. His career began in build trades before progressing to an AFL-CIO representative. Hesson’s role with the AFL-CIO is serving as a community service liaison linking organized labor and the communities their members live in. |
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Since joining the board two years ago, Hesson has been busy trying to improve the lives of working families in Wayne and Monroe County. “I want to help ensure a good quality of life for our members, from human services to consumer services,” said Hesson. In 2001, Hesson was sent to a conference in St. Louis for labor representatives across America on behalf of SEMCA’s Workforce Development Board. The purpose of this event was to develop common goals such as encouraging workforce boards to conduct high-road audits, establish real self-sufficiency standards and demanding subsidy accountability which would help encourage employers to take the high road by providing good wages and benefits. “Its important that the board supports employers who provide good wages to citizens so they can be contributing members of society,” said Hesson. “We can’t continue to avoid the big picture and drag down our standard of living.” Hesson hopes with the support of the workforce board that they can encourage more unions and employers to get involved with services offered through the Workforce Development Act. In addition to being an important asset to SEMCA’s Workforce Board, Hesson coordinates numerous political and social seminars and workshops including union counseling, Union Community Activist Network training, History of Social Welfare Policy in America and the importance of the labor's role in political, legislative and social action. When Hesson is not busy representing workers, he likes to spend time with his wife, Susan Gail, sons Grant and Chet and daughter Audrey. In his spare time Hesson enjoys hunting, fishing and reading. |
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