Tammy Munoz

I grew up in a moderately conservative household in Arizona, where I was taught to follow directions and never question authority. For years, I believed that working harder, faster, and smarter would earn recognition and reward. When I moved to Colorado with my husband and young son, I carried that mindset with me.

In 1999, I started as a casual clerk at Yellow Freight. When I received my first paycheck, I cried in my car—it was nearly equal to what I earned full-time in Arizona. At first, I felt immense gratitude toward the company for valuing me. But soon, I realized the truth: my pay and benefits weren’t a gift from the company—they were guaranteed by a Union contract. That realization changed everything.

I shifted my gratitude to the brothers and sisters who fought for those rights before me. It became clear that workers—not companies—determine their worth. From that moment, I committed to the fight. Over the years, I’ve served as a shop steward, volunteer organizer, Executive Board Trustee, chair of the Teamsters Local Political Field Committee, and now as a staff member. My mission is simple: pay it forward and remind workers that their power lies in solidarity.

Union Strong.