When workers at the USC Access Center — the main communication hub scheduling patient appointments and connecting patients with doctors at Keck Medicine of USC — voted to join NUHW in 2019, Karina Marin was all-in, encouraging her coworkers to use their collective power.
Three union contracts later, Marin, a template design specialist who coordinates and maintains doctors’ schedules and visit types at USC hospitals and clinical practices, is now a union steward, helping coworkers understand their rights and ensuring the university honors their contract.
“What inspired me to become involved in organizing was realizing how much stronger our voices are when we work together,” Marin said. “I wanted to help create a workplace where employees feel informed, supported, and empowered to address concerns collectively.
“Being part of the union allows me to advocate for fairness, transparency, and respect for the work we do every day, which we most certainly did not have before organizing,” she added.
Marin and her colleagues won a contract last year that preserved a ban on subcontracting and secured strong raises.
Marin, who began working at USC over a decade ago as a patient access liaison, said she became a steward to stand up for her coworkers who might be too afraid to defend their rights.
“I’ve gained a deep appreciation and respect for my fellow employees who, despite what personal obstacles they may be facing, still show up every day and support the patients and providers,” she said. “These experiences reinforced for me the importance of advocating for the employees who make that work possible.”
Marin is ready to defend the contract and her coworkers, but she also encourages them to learn to defend themselves using their hard-fought collective agreement.
“Know your contract and don’t be afraid to use it,” she tells her colleagues.
“The rights and protections in our contract exist because members fought for them, and they are there to ensure fairness in the workplace,” Marin added. “If something doesn’t seem right, ask questions, seek guidance from your steward, and speak up.”
Marin acknowledged that being a steward sometimes requires extra work on her part, but she’s happy and willing to do it because the results are powerful and ultimately benefit all workers.
“What gives me hope is seeing members become more engaged, informed, and confident in advocating for themselves and their coworkers,” Marin said.
“Every time someone learns their rights, speaks up about an issue, or gets involved in improving our workplace, it reinforces why this work matters,” she added. “Positive change happens when people come together, and being part of that process continues to motivate me.”
