Carlos Soto began his career in the food industry in 1978 as a clerk’s helper at Lucky (later Albertsons). He also worked as a clerk, night crew manager and fourth key.

 During the 2003-04 strike and lockout, Soto became a backup picket captain. After the work action ended, he became a steward and started to regularly attend union meetings.

 He was soon asked to be an Executive Board member and a Special Project Union Representative (SPUR).

 Shortly thereafter, he was hired at Local 1428 as an organizer and then as a union representative.  One of his most satisfying assignments was his participation, on behalf of the UFCW International Union, in the successful campaign to organize workers at Smithfield Foods in North Carolina.

 Soto believes that his most important responsibility as a union representative is contract enforcement and educating members about their rights. He urges members to report any contract violations they observe to their union representative.

 Soto said he would like to be thought of as a caring person and as someone who makes a difference.     His hobbies include following football, basketball and baseball teams, going to the movies and spending time with his wife, Shannon, and their four children.

Carlos can be reached at: (909) 626-3333 ext. 238          carlossoto1428@msn.com