A new day for Justice at UCI Health

Jere Justice, a pharmacist and UPTE unit representative at UCI Health — Fountain Valley, formerly Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, has been a driving force in labor organizing at his workplace. His journey, inspired by his mother’s nursing career, his father’s long-time union belonging, and fueled by his early passion for math and science, is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Today, he thrives in the demanding environment of Fountain Valley, working the night shift and leading a team of technicians.

Coming from a union household, Jere’s commitment to labor is deeply personal. “My dad’s forty-seven-year union membership was a constant reminder of the power of collective action and job security,” he recalled. His upbringing instilled a strong sense of solidarity and advocacy, which he has carried into his professional life. 

Jere’s extensive union leadership experience, including his roles with the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals and the National Union of Healthcare Workers, highlights his dedication.

Joining UPTE has reignited Jere’s passion for union work. He was impressed by UPTE’s structure and effectiveness, describing his initial Zoom meeting with UPTE leaders as a moment that “got me excited again.” He noted, “The union is well-organized, continually growing, and everyone seems to be on the same page, getting stuff done. It’s an impressive union.”

Jere’s leadership and dedication have significantly impacted his colleagues, who trust him to represent their interests. “They’re pretty excited about that and fired up to become active union members,” he says, referring to the anticipated changes under UPTE’s representation.

Jere’s confidence in UPTE has spread to his colleagues, who are eager to engage in union activities and reap the benefits of UPTE’s hard-fought retirement plans and improved working conditions at UC. Jere discussed the new UC Retirement Plan (UCRP), “None of my colleagues had ever been exposed to anything like that before and didn’t know how lucrative and secure the UCRP could be in the long run. They were excited about it.”

Since UCI Health acquired four medical centers at Fountain Valley, Lakewood, Los Alamitos, and Placentia Linda, along with outpatient care offices, on March 27, 2024, Jere’s leadership has been a beacon of trust for his colleagues. As Jere continues his work, he looks forward to the collective strength and support that being part of such a well-organized and dynamic union brings.