UAW Educated
Passionate
Communicative
Member Driven
Vote Jody Russell
for Jeep Unit Secretary/Treasurer
My name is Jody Russell, and I am humbly asking for your vote when you cast your ballot for the Jeep Unit Secretary/Treasurer on May 20, 2025 at UAW Local 12 Union Hall, Fleet Transport, or Toledo Assembly Complex. Polls will be open from 12:30am-12:30am at Local 12, 7:00am to 4:00pm at Fleet, and 7:00am-12:30am at TAC - be sure to bring a photo ID when you come to make your candidate selections.
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About My Campaign
Get to Know Me
I proudly carry my solidarity with me wherever I go, and wear the UAW Wheel as my badge of honor to let others know union blood runs through my veins. I am a third generation Jeep worker, and have proudly stood alongside the finest workforce in the industry for almost 12 years now.
I have worked in Production, Paint, Body, and MLM and across all three shifts in my time here. I have served as a member of the Safety Pillar, a Team Leader Coach, a Team Leader, a bid member and a floater. My exposure to different departments and roles has enabled me to be knowledgable and well equipped to handle the transgressions and violations that management hands out daily.
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I fight hard for any union member that comes my way to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Being a Constitutional and Bargaining Convention delegate was one of the most humbling and honorable opportunities ever provided to me by my union siblings.
Knowledge is our strength as a membership. Whether provided by the UAW or the company, I have taken every opportunity to prepare and develop my ability to lead my UAW brothers and sisters. I’ve completed courses taught by union leaders, Cornell and U of M institutions , lawyers, and field experts.
Classes and Programs Completed:
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Union 101
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UAW Grievance Handling
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Bargaining for Women & Working Families
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UAW Civil & Human Rights Class
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Understanding Bargaining & Strikes
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Talking Union
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Understanding Our Bias Through Our Solidarity
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Effective Union Meetings
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UAW Constitution
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Effective Women's Committees
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Runaway Inequality
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UAW Leadership Essentials
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Roles of Officers
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Ending Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
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Team Leader Training 2013 & 2017
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OSHA 30 Certification
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WCM Safety 100 & 200
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WCM AM & WO 100 & 200
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SPW Training
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UAW Region 2B Online Academy
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U of M Grievance Handling
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Currently enrolled in Wayne State Labor Studies
Unionist
Delving deep into union engagement has been a passion of mine since joining the UAW. I proudly serve on the Region 2B Advisory Council as the Vice President of the Union Label Committee, the Local 12 Union Label Committee as Chairperson, as a member of the Local 12 Election and Women's Committees, and I am an active participant in the VCAP program. Click the icon to learn more about the UAW standing committees.
Experience & Abilities
In my previous careers, I was responsible for payroll systems, finances, attendance programs, and timekeeping. For over five years
my core tasks were in budgeting and bookkeeping, accounts payable and receiving, ordering and distribution, and employee conflict resolution.
My strongest qualities include being detail oriented, organized, and prepared. I have a keen eye for the small details, and I am a lover of reading and math. You will often find me at the union meetings with my copies of the contracts, bylaws, and Robert's Rules of Order on hand.
In my time with the UAW, I have made invaluable connections and resources across the country. Allies and mentors from different regions and sectors have provided me with insight, bargaining, and grievance strategies to be a steadfast and strong union representative.
Transparency & Communication
As a mother to two small children, I empathize with the struggle we workers go through because of unclear communication, incorrect information, and constant uncertainty. I vow to give precise, clear, and transparent information to the membership as it becomes available. This information is necessary for family planning, childcare, eldercare, transportation and more. Work life balance is critical and better managed with open lines of communication.
My commitment to transparency extends to our financial operations, ensuring that all funds are used responsibly and in the best interest of the union members. Upholding the standards outlined in the UAW Constitution and the Monitor's guidelines is of the utmost importance when it comes to spending the UAW members dues dollars.
Inclusivity & Community
I strive to create an inclusive environment where every member's voice is heard and valued. My goal is to showcase the diversity of our union members and ensure that everyone feels included in our union processes from bargaining to community.
The UAW strives to be part of our neighborhoods, schools, churches, groups, and cultural programs. In my blue collar household, free time is given to Girl Scouts and (Boy) Scouts of America and Youth Athletics. I also volunteer with reading programs at my children's elementary school and I am the Vice President of the Parent Organization there.
As union members, our diversity is one of our strengths, and we celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each member brings to the table. Click the icons to find out about union labor partners and groups you can become active in.
Empowerment & Education
Empowering our members is at the core of my campaign. I aim to provide the necessary information and resources for members to know their rights during the work day, allowing them to shape the culture of our union.
Through empowerment, I wish to foster a sense of union ownership and responsibility among rank and file members on the shop floor, encouraging participation and action in the UAW educational opportunities.
The UAW has developed a fantastic curriculum and it is available to our membership at their fingertips or in a classroom session down at the local or regional office. Using online academies, on site training, quick link guides and social media channels, the opportunities to grow our membership's strength through knowledge is essential. Click the icon to see Region 2B's education opportunities.
