Secretary

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Karen Cook:

I have been employed with the phone company for 16 years.  I call it just the phone company because we have changed names so many time since I have been with them. I still consider us Southwestern Bell, the phone company.  I started out as a Directory Assistance Operator.  I joined the Union the day of my orientation.  I really had no choice.  My father has been with the company since April 1974, and was also once the President of this local. As an operator I became a steward and then served as Chief Steward.  When the company offered a course that would help us pass the TKT, which is a required test to have my job and several others in the company, I jumped on it!  It took 13 months of my time but was well worth it.  When we finished the class the company came down and said we would now all be TKT qualified which we did not know would happen.  I was now qualified to put in transfers for Communications Technician, my present title.  My first position was in Jacksboro, Texas and then they moved me to Henrietta, Texas and then they moved me to the central office on Airport Drive and now I am currently working in the Lamar central office in downtown Wichita Falls.  I became Secretary of the local when Angela Guillory moved up.  And I have served as secretary ever since.  I love my job with the Union and all the people I work with.  I have been happily married to my husband George for 17 years and have one wonderful daughter Chelsea.  She is 13 right now so we will see how long her wonderful status lasts.  Just Joking.  I wouldn't trade my time with the Union for anything!  It has been a wonderful experience!