If Licensing Registration Examiners (LREs) in the Riverside area have a problem at work, they know who to turn to, CSLEA-COLRE Site Representative Megan Corona.  Corona has worked as a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) LRE and a CSLEA-COLRE Site Rep for four years and was recently appointed Secretary to the COLRE (California Organization of Licensing Registration Examiners) Board.   COLRE is one of 18 affiliates within the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association.   

"When it comes to my life and my career I like to have information first hand," said Corona. "I got involved with the labor association at a conference in Las Vegas and went to all the classes I could.  I wanted to know what the association did for us."

And what has she found out?  "Just having someone, a group, work for us, to go to managers, to the bargaining table, to legislators to bring up pay and regulations, CSLEA and COLRE represent us for more than we could represent ourselves," said Corona.

When Corona needed help with a clerical issue that resulted in her not receiving her full paycheck, she placed a call to the association, which contacted Cal-HR on her behalf and resolved the problem.  As a CSLEA-COLRE  site representative, Corona can now be the eyes, the ears and the voice for other LREs.

"Sometimes site reps are seen as a pest by supervisors," said Corona.  "But I can help.  Supervisors know that LREs  have representation in the office.  That's a positive thing."

One of the biggest concerns for LREs is their personal safety.  Day in and day out they get into the passenger seats of cars driven by drivers seeking a new,  or renewed,   driver  license.   As of last year there were 600 LREs and 300 accidents.   "I have been in two accidents," said Corona.  "Nearly all of us have been in accidents.  It's not a matter of if, but when."

Corona not only serves as the eyes and ears of her fellow LREs in the East Riverside DMV Field Office where she works, she will now serve as a Regional Site Rep, serving as a resource and go-to person for site representatives from DMV offices in region VII.  "This is a new thing we are doing," said Corona.  "It opens up yet another line of communication to COLRE and CSLEA.  I am excited to serve our members and will assist in any way I can.   I want our site reps to know that they can contact me.  Of course, CSLEA attorneys are always available and just a phone call away, but sometimes a site rep, and now a regional site rep, is a little less scary for some."

Site representatives are not just appointed, they take basic and advanced classes to become educated about the contract, their rights, complaints, grievances,  and the steps to take to resolve issues.

"I have 59 site representatives throughout the state," said COLRE President Francine Toth.  "Megan Corona is now assisting at new employee presentations and has proven to be a leader in the workplace.  She is a go-to person and I am pleased to now have her on the COLRE Board as Secretary.  She is a fantastic addition."

"Site reps play a very important role in the workplace and at CSLEA," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "They volunteer, they take the time to learn about the contract and how work-related problems are resolved.  And they let us know, as their labor association, what they need.  They are very valuable to their colleagues and to us and we thank them for their dedication.  We also welcome Megan Corona to her new role on the COLRE board."