Desiree Hoffman, Assistant Legislative Director for the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about her journey into the labor movement and how she got to her current position with the UAW.
Coming from a blue-collar, single-parent home in central Pennsylvania, Hoffman said she was a product of the government assistance programs for which she now lobbies. Growing up, she took advantage of the opportunities provided by the government, many of which were for children deemed “at-risk.” They helped Hoffman find her path into the labor movement as she sought her path to the middle class.
Hoffman’s first job working in organized labor was with the Service Employees International Union, where she lobbied for members' rights. During her time with the SEIU, Hoffman worked on the Affordable Care Act. As one of the only female lobbyists who advocated for this legislation, she also ensured some pre-existing conditions, like child-bearing, would not keep women from gaining access to the Affordable Care Act.
After a brief hiatus from the labor movement, Hoffman was hired by the UAW. Since then, her passion for organized labor has grown, and she continues to lobby on behalf of the best interests of unions. Hoffman now spends most of her days working on policies, such as women’s rights and student loan forgiveness, that apply to her directly. As she explained, women’s issues are labor issues.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.