In 1988, after a 17-year career as a florist in non-union stores, Simone Tuerlings jumped at the opportunity to work as a florist at Pavilions.
Tuerlings grew up in a union family and knew about the better pay and benefits to be had working under a union contract. She went from Pavilions to Vons Expo and then spent seven and a half years as a Floral Manager and District Trainer for Vons.
In 1997, she was asked to fill a vacant seat on the executive board, a position she still holds.
Tuerlings became a steward at the inception of the stewards program and was named Steward of the Year for the Food Division in 1999.
She became a union representative in 2003.
She earned her certificate in labor studies and continues her education to better serve the members of Local 1428. She has earned certificates for Worker Occupational Safety and Health (WOSH) training as well as for disaster preparedness.
Tuerlings strongly believes that Organized Labor is the best entity to fight for and preserve and protect the middle class.
When she is not at work, Tuerlings is a self-described “Dodgers fanatic” who listens to and attends as many games as she can.
As someone who has lost a son to cancer, she has become involved as a participant and committee member with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Simone can be reached at: (909) 626-3333 Ext. 240 simone1428@msn.com
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