“You don’t know what you need until you need it.” This sums up my introduction to AFGE 15 years ago. I had been working for DDS for 7 years when the opportunity came to onboard with SSA as a Customer Service Representative. Without hesitation, I made the move. I loved being a DDS Examiner so I had no doubt I would love working for SSA just as much, if not more.

Several years in and I'm loving the job, my coworkers and managers. Then it changed for the worse. I was noticing things that made me uncomfortable, hearing conversations that were inappropriate and witnessing blatant harassment. After I spoke up I became the target.

“I looked high and low” and could not find anyone to help me get relief from day-to-day trauma. Eventually I was put in touch with a Union Representative. That's when my work life started to change. After my situation was dissolved I knew I wanted to help others.

My AFGE tenure has gone from Office Representative, GA Area Designee, 1st Vice President to my current position as President of AFGE Local 4156.

I take a serious approach to my part in enforcing the language of the contractual agreement between AFGE and SSA bargaining unit employees. I welcome ideas and opinions from my team members. I understand the importance of building and maintaining relationships with Agency counterparts.

My goal is for all SSA employees to be treated with respect and dignity. Until that happens, I still have work to do.

In Solidarity,

Torsha Martin