Tahinna (Tye) Aguayo

Tahinna (Tye) Aguayo
O-I Glass, Warehouse Auditor
Hometown: Huntington Park, Calif.
Local Number 137M, USW District # 12
Years as USW Member: 21

1. What is unusual about your hometown, place of work or job?

People driving along Fruitland Avenue in Vernon, Calif., pass under an enclosed bridge. The O-I factory straddles both sides of the street, and USW members use that bridge to move glassware from one part of the complex to another.

2. What does this year’s theme, “Everybody’s Union,” mean to you?

It means solidarity with people who face the same issues you do. It’s just so energizing to be here, and it gives you that breath of fresh air you need to keep moving forward. You realize we’re all going in the same direction, just in different locations.

3. What issues will be important when your Local’s contract expires?

Pressing upon O-I the essential role that workers play in the company’s success and ensuring those contributions result in a fair contract. We’re the backbone to everything. 

4. What’s your go-to dance move?

A silly, jumpy, dance—the same thing I do after winning a grievance. 

5. Every leader has a good tune to walk out to when introduced. What’s your walk-up song?

“My House” by Flo Rida. It’s the song I play at union meetings and rallies. It gets everyone excited. It says, “This is my house. This is where I do what I do.”

6. Who would you most like to have dinner with, and why:

Jennifer Lopez. She’s a fighter. You have to fight to the bitter end. It’s better to die on your feet than live a lifetime on your knees.

7. What things have you done or hope to do while you’re here?

For me, it’s networking and learning from people who face the same challenges I do. I believe it’s always good to ask for help when you’re in uncertain water.

8. Have you yet decided how you will put the convention to work when you return home?

Communicating to co-workers what I learned here. You never know what might help them. 


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