Guy Johnson works as a Customer Service Agent for Southwest Airlines at San Jose Airport. He has been an IAM member for 8 years, worked as an educator for District 142, and currently serves as a Shop Steward and a Trustee for Local 1782.
When asked what first inspired him to get involved with the union, Guy replied, “I’ve always been one to speak up against injustice. I simply got sick and tired of Station Management walking all over us and blatantly violating our Collective Bargaining Agreement.”
“I always tell new members we are part of something bigger than our local or the Station we work at,” said Guy. “Being part of the IAM extends far beyond our District. Being a part of District 142 means we fight for injustice and stand up for human rights. A win for the IAM is a win for workers everywhere.”
Guy has been a delegate to the South Bay Labor Council for more than 3 years. He has participated with the SBLC in the annual California Labor Federation legislative conference and lobby day in each of those years and he attends COPE interviews and endorsement meetings whenever he is available.
Political action is a passion for Guy, and he also serves as the committee chair of the Machinists Non-Partisan League political action committee and is a delegate to the State-wide PAC of the California Conference of Machinists. He’s on the executive board of the Sunnyvale Democratic Club and is a member of the Working Blue Democratic Club.
From political action to strike support to advocating for worker-focused public policy, Guy is a strong believer in concerted union action through the South Bay Labor Council.
“Any time I can walk a picket line, or join a rally, or lobby for pro-worker legislation, I gladly do it because while it might not be my union’s particular fight, any fight against injustice is a fight for all workers and it impacts us all,” he explained.
Guy graduated from San Jose State in 1985 with a degree in Creative Arts. He’s a dedicated San Francisco 49ers fan, enjoys working out, and is a talented singer who auditioned for and was selected to be one of 70 singers on the singing Christmas Tree in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022.