GFT member, Evangeline Chaco, a mammography technologist at the Guam Memorial Hospital, shares her fight for her job to members at the 9th GFT Annual Convention. Chaco was terminated from GMH in 2011. Through GFT’s representation, Chaco appealed the adverse action at the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The CSC made a decision to modify the adverse action to a 30 day suspension. However, GMH appealed the decision in Court. After three years, the Court recognized progressive discipline and ruled in favor of the CSC decision to modify Chaco’s termination to a 30 day suspension. Chaco’s employment was reinstated with back pay.
Chaco shares the emotions of this experience but is grateful for having GFT stand by her every step of the way. At the Convention, she thanks her brothers and sisters of GFT for the support through the case. “I went to the union. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart. My family thanks you. When I say the GFT Union, I’m not talking about this man, I’m talking about all of you…standing alone, I’m not sure if I or we can prevail but together, united we are strong.” – Evangeline Chaco, GMH mammography technologist & GFT member