Linda Jenkins, First Vice President of Local 1180 of the Communications Workers of America, was elected to this position in 1982. As First Vice President, Ms. Jenkins negotiates contracts, and handles civil service classification and personnel issues for the Union. She also organizes education and career training programs for 1180 members.

 Ms. Jenkins extensive portfolio includes, overseeing the Union’s involvement in the City’s joint Labor-Management Quality of Work Life Program. She serves as a trustee of the Union’s welfare and education funds which provide benefits for 1180 members and retirees. She chairs the education committee and serves on the editorial council for the Union newspaper, the Communique.

 Since 1964, when she started her professional life, Ms. Jenkins worked her way through the ranks. Her entry level position with the New York City Department of Social Services was as a stenographer. She attained the position of Principal Administrative Associate III in 1979 and was assigned as a site manager in the Food Stamp Program. It was in 1972 that she became active in Union affairs as a Shop Steward and working on the Union’s education committee. Six years later she was elected to the Local 1180 Executive Board as a member-at-large.

 An advocate of lifelong learning, Ms. Jenkins has been instrumental in developing and promoting educational opportunities, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs for 1180 members. Committed to enhancing workplace skills of Union members, Ms. Jenkins has developed and implemented several programs including, comprehensive skills training and civil service exam preparation courses. She established a state-of-the-art computer center at the Union headquarters. She is also a strong advocate for the civil service merit system and is committed to promoting effective government for the City of New York.

 Her professional affiliates include the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the NAACP and the CWA Minority Caucus.

 A native of Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Jenkins earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Iona College and a Master of Science Degree in Adult Education from Fordham University.