Honoring Wally Storm, SCEA’s Founding PresidentAlva "Wally" Storm (b. 1949 – d. 2010)Alva "Wally" Storm, founding president of the Stockton City Employees Association (SCEA), passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 20, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Stockton. Wally was first hired by the City of Stockton as a police dispatcher in 1986. She became active in the labor movement by joining the Board of Directors for the San Joaquin Public Employees Association (SJPEA), the predecessor labor organization to SCEA, in the 1990s, serving as president of its City of Stockton chapter. In 1998, Wally foresaw the financial collapse of SJPEA and preemptively lead more than 475 City workers to seek recognition by the City of Stockton for their own independent labor organization, SCEA, as the exclusive representative. During a representation election, 95% of City workers voted for SCEA as their union. At the time, Wally was publicly reviled by SJPEA business agents – almost comically – as a "false prophet," and a "power broker" with a "personal agenda" who was "in bed with the City." In truth, Wally had initial support of 78% of City employees, which grew to 95% by the time of the election, and conclusively proved to be a strong and tireless advocate for employee rights for more than two decades, as well as a dedicated and conscientious public servant. Wally was SCEA's first president and served continuously for 7 years. In 2000, she helped bargain SCEA's first labor contract – an 8-year agreement with guaranteed raises in every year, fully paid retirement medical premiums after 15 years of City service, and numerous other advantageous provisions for SCEA members. Wally retired from the City in 2004, but remained active in SCEA as one of its labor negotiators while working for SCEA's law firm. In 2008, she was again instrumental in negotiating SCEA's labor contract. This time, even as California's economy began to crumble, she helped bargain a 5-year agreement with protections of health benefits, wage increases, and avoidance of permanent wage reductions through temporary work furloughs. Throughout her career, Wally has helped countless employees in times of need. Wally's husband Ron predeceased her. She is survived by her sons Ed and Mick, grandson Logan, and sister Barbara. When she wasn't working as an advocate for City employees or loyally serving the citizens of Stockton, Wally loved to quilt, travel, dine out, and spend time with her family. Wally was a loving grandmother, mother, and wife, a great friend, a wise colleague, and a strong advocate for City employees. She will be missed by many.
Page Last Updated: May 20, 2016 (23:29:27)
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