By any definition, Jesus “Chuy” Marin is a dedicated union member.  Chuy is a steward and dairy manager at Ralphs 235 in Chula Vista. He has been a steward for 20 of the 25 years he has worked in the industry.
“I believe in the union,” he said. “The union is the reason we have the benefits we have and a voice in the workplace.
 

“I believe it’s important to help the union in any way I can. That’s why I became a steward.”
Chuy said his main task as a steward is to let new members know how important the union is for them.
“Most young people have no idea what a union does,” he said. “I try to meet with new workers as soon as I can to explain what the union is all about and why it is important for them to get involved.”
When it comes to being involved, Chuy not only talks the talk, he walks the walk.  “I go to as many meetings as I can,” he said. “It’s important to know what’s going on. I also try to volunteer for whatever projects the union needs people to work on.”
 

Chuy is currently involved with helping to organize the CVS store adjacent to his store.  “We go in and try to get a relationship going with the workers there,” he said. “We let them know that there are other CVS stores that are union and their workers have better health care, pensions, vacation, sick leave and job security.
 

“I also worked on the Fresh & Easy campaign handing out leaflets outside of the Chula Vista store and speaking to workers there encouraging them to join our union.”
 

Chuy spends most of his spare time with his 11-year-old son, Christian.  “I enjoy the time we spend together when I drive him to and from school every day, as well as to his little league games,” he said.