Steward Spotlight: APS Investigator Gabriella Pagdilao-Duras Brings Compassion and Advocacy to Stewardship

WFSE steward Gabriella Pagdilao-Duras is an Adult Protective Services (APS) investigator at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and a member of WFSE Local 53. Gabriella’s stewardship helps her coworkers address problems at work, understand their contract and their rights at work, and make their union stronger. Being a steward takes time, effort, and volunteer commitment.

Gabriella’s coworkers nominated her for recognition as a steward. When new employees join her workplace, Gabriella helps them get oriented and shows them the importance of their union. She keeps her union siblings informed with current and accurate information, advocates for improvements at work, and provides much-needed leadership. Gabriella’s tireless efforts have strengthened her union and empowered her coworkers.

“A lot of my coworkers had gotten to positions where they didn't know what their rights as an employee were,” Gabriella recalled. “They didn't know- I got asked a lot, is this even allowed? And I was the person that everybody could go to for that.”

Stewards Connect and Empower

For most members, their steward is their direct connection to the power our union has to create positive change at work. Stewards are leaders, organizers, and educators. They study their union contract in detail and are mentored as they gain confidence in contract enforcement.

Steward spotlights are our way of lifting up the important work stewards do across our union. 

Gabriella has unionism in her blood. The daughter of a long-haul driver and a teacher, she says hard work and labor activism have been part of her family legacy for generations.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that Gabriella is an advocate in her work and in her union.

Her entrée into stewardship came at a union lunch with coworkers. She found herself speaking up about recent challenges she and others faced.

“Everybody was resonating with what I was saying and I was kind of the voice,” she recalled.

Her WSFE council representative asked whether she’d ever thought of becoming a steward.

Revitalizing Her Union

Almost two years later, Gabriella stands up for her coworkers, helps them navigate the contract, and is part of revitalizing her union at DSHS. 

“I think it's because I'm the one that people can go to. I try to be as approachable as possible,” she said.

A solid steward makes all the difference.

Gabriella and her coworkers do challenging work protecting vulnerable adults. 

“You see a lot of individuals who are elderly, can't care for themselves, or have difficulty continuing to do so, and they just need support,” she said. “They're anybody. They're somebody's parent, sibling, their neighbor, their friend.”

Thriving Workers Help Communities Thrive

Stewards like Gabriella help others understand their contract, have their coworkers’ backs when something goes wrong, and offer a listening ear.

“When we have investigators and employees who feel supported, they want to come to work,” she said. “When we have staff who are supported and employees who are thriving, they can help their community thrive as well.”

From workplace advocacy to supporting coworkers, union members like Gabriella keep Washington strong. In these uncertain times, public employees are the glue that binds communities together. 

Do you know an amazing steward like Gabriella? Nominate them for a Steward Spotlight!

Gabriella stepped forward to help make her workplace better, and building a strong union takes more people willing to do the same. If you’re ready to help make the changes you want to see, become a union steward. Learn more about stewardship here.