Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher is the President and Chief Officer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. She is also the Secretary-Treasurer, Chief Officer, and former Political Director of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO. In 2013, Lorena was elected to the State Assembly, passing laws and legislation allowing California workers to earn paid sick leave and farmers to receive overtime pay for working beyond eight hours a day. In 2019, she passed Assembly Bill 5, the strongest law in the country protecting workers against misclassification and wage theft. Lorena was the first Latina to serve as Chairwoman of a legislative Appropriations Committee.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [2:31] Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher talks about being endorsed by Dolores Huerta
- [8:04] Advice for Latinas entering politics and leadership positions
- [11:13] How to overcome imposter syndrome
- [13:00] Lorena’s inspiration to pursue a career as a labor activist
- [19:42] The Latino populations Lorena advocates for
- [28:01] How Lorena transitioned from providing workers with food to advocating for union rights
- [30:21] Combating wealth disparity among union workers
- [38:19] The California Labor Federation’s plans to unionize workers
In this episode…
Historically, Latinos have been excluded from the public sector due to immigration and citizenship status. Now, with Latinos comprising 90% of farm workers, 99% of janitors, and 50% of construction workers in California, this group has made tremendous strides. How can you follow in the footsteps of a Latina leader who fights for the rights of millions of union workers?
Throughout her career, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher has tracked the evolution of unionized worker demographics, noting the rise in Latino populations. After witnessing agricultural workers fighting fruitlessly for increased pay and equal rights, Lorena passed a law requiring overtime pay for these individuals. She maintains that workers should benefit from a corporation’s wealth, and rather than focusing on ceaseless business growth and power, organizations should distribute this wealth evenly among the workers who helped them grow.
Tune in to this episode of The Lawtino™ as John Gomez and guest host Vanessa Felix Corona invite Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, the President and Chief Officer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, to speak about advocating for union rights. Lorena shares advice for emerging Latina political leaders, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and her endorsement by Dolores Huerta.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- John Gomez on LinkedIn
- Vanessa Felix Corona on LinkedIn
- Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
- Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher on LinkedIn | Instagram | X
- California Labor Federation
- “Empowering Latino Communities: Dolores Huerta’s Fight for Equality and Justice” on The Lawtino™
Quotable Moments:
- “Being yourself sometimes is uncomfortable because you have to challenge the norms, but that’s what makes us good representatives of our community.”
- “There is no world in which somebody should be making $1 billion and their workers can’t afford the rent or health care.”
- “The truth is, how things go nationally can affect our rights. We’ve seen under President Biden how much can be done to help workers.”
- “Technology can be good for workers. It only happens if workers have a voice on how technology is used in the workplace.”
- “He has given a lot of young people in Catholicism some hope and changed the direction of how we see people, how we see unions.”
Action Steps:
- Embrace your authentic self: One of the key takeaways from Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher’s journey is the importance of being true to oneself. Authenticity empowers individuals to stand out and challenges outdated norms in professional settings, offering a fresh perspective and approach to leadership.
- Prioritize continuous learning and adaptation: Lorena’s diverse educational background and continuous involvement in various roles highlight the importance of lifelong learning. By staying informed and adaptable, individuals can navigate the complexities of their fields, leveraging new opportunities as they arise.
- Advocate for fairness and equity: Lorena’s work has focused on ensuring fair treatment and compensation for workers. By championing equity and justice in the workplace, individuals can address systemic inequalities, paving the way for a more inclusive environment for all employees.
- Harness collective action: The success of union movements and advocacy for workers’ rights underscores the strength found in unity. Engaging with like-minded individuals or groups can amplify efforts to effect change, providing a platform to push for common goals and shared interests.
- Leverage technology responsibly: Technology can be a tool for improvement and disruption. By advocating for the responsible use of technology in the workplace, individuals can ensure that advancements benefit all workers, enhancing safety and productivity without compromising jobs.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by Gomez Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego.
Award-winning attorney John Gomez developed a nationally recognized legal team that goes above and beyond for injured clients.
With numerous designations, distinctions, and top-notch resources, we have what it takes to fight and win against major corporations.
For a free case evaluation, visit https://www.thegomezfirm.com/contact/.