For Paige Cisco of Local 689, fighting for workers’ health and safety is what motivates her every day.
Cisco first began working at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Ohio six years ago in order to be closer to her family. Both her parents worked at the plant, and her father was facing cancer for the second time.
One thing she knew she wanted to do with her time in the union, especially since the nuclear field can be a dangerous one, was become a health and safety representative.
“I don’t want anyone getting sick again like my dad,” she said. “I don’t want anyone else to struggle the way my family has struggled.”
Cisco said that many outsiders, and even some atomic workers, believe the only risk of the job is radiation. Chemical exposure is also a concern as workers at the plant tear down old facilities and enrich uranium.
“I care about everyone out there, and this new generation coming in has no historical knowledge about the industry and its dangers,” said Cisco.
The full-time health and safety representative educates her fellow members every chance she gets, as well as serving as a worker-trainer through the USW Tony Mazzocchi Center. Her team is currently implementing hazard mapping to train everyone across the massive atomic site.
Cisco believes this education is vital as the local’s membership continues to grow.
“We’re organizing constantly,” she said. “People want to join the union and work here.”
Cisco was first motivated to get more involved in the union, particularly the USW Women of Steel Leadership Development Course, from the encouragement of two women in her local.
“Watching those two and how they handle things made me want to get involved,” she said. “I want to keep the gate open so more women step up when the older generation leaves. I want to be a mentor the way others were mentors for me.”
What Cisco loves most about the leadership program is its focus on comradery and self-care.
“What we learn goes beyond the union,” she said. “It’s really about building us up as people and making us the best version of ourselves.”