VICE PRESIDENT

I would like this opportunity to formally introduce myself. My name is Maxel Shabay Izquierdo. I began working with the Transportation Security Administration on November 10, 2002 at JFK International Airport. My career with TSA began as a TSO and quickly progressed with my dedication to the mission. In 2004, I was promoted to LTSO and excelled with every opportunity to improve my own and fellow officer’s threat detection capabilities.

I have always helped my colleagues in every aspect of the job while focusing on mitigating the evolving threat we face every day. I was a training liaison from 2006 to 2007 at Terminal 8, helping train my fellow officers on all security screening procedures according to the SOP. I am now an MSTI who has been with the Transportation Security Administration for over 7 years. Being an elected member of the employee council representing Terminal 8, I had a vital part and impact in developing changes to local implemented policies. One of my responsibilities as an employee council representative was addressing numerous workforce issues and concerns. I have always spoken to our people as a channel of data with pertinent information. Then I also listened to our officer’s ideas in creating positive working environments. My 20 plus years of vast security experience and training within the private sector has made me into the individual I am today. I have been an active member of the best union there is for over two years. Guess which one? Really there is no need to guess the correct answer is AFGE Local 2222, then, now, and in the future. I trust and believe in my colleagues and feel that their rights should be represented with the very best exemplified service available and that is AFGE. When there was no one else to help, AFGE was always there representing our officers. Helping all individuals no matter what, is what I truly believe in. How many individuals do you really know that will truly help you no matter what the situation is? As an officer of this fine agency I have heard and seen numerous situations arise that were not properly litigated, represented, addressed, and rectified to the satisfaction of the screening workforce. The day has arrived to finally acknowledge the screening workforce as the most important individuals within TSA; yes that means every one of you! Remember that this isn't a popularity contest; this is about representing the people! I am not here to offer you a pipe dream through your stomachs’. Don't forget to defend and represent yourself individually is extremely difficult. In most job hearings the odds are stacked against you to be victorious! You have a better chance winning the lottery. Our strength is in our numbers, unity unified. We are more powerful as a unit focused, determined, proud, and expressive without any worries of letting your voices finally be heard. We are here to protect your rights, represent you, fight for you, and speak for you the way it needs to be expressed. As you can see I am very outspoken, but it will finally be your voice that is heard, felt, understood, and respected. There is no need for you to be afraid because the time has arrived to lift the morale of our officers, instill the passion and belief that the officers of TSA all have rights. Rights that you deserve for the outstanding job you perform on a daily basis in protecting the flying public. As the Vice President of Local 2222, I am here to protect you. Who better to represent and speak for the people, than the people!