AFMC Command News

Union rep strives to improve Voluntary Protection Program at Tinker AFB

  • Published
  • By Brandice Armstrong
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  A union steward with American Federation of Government Employees Local 916, the primary negotiating body for civilian employees at Tinker AFB, is the first Air Force member selected to the National Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association.

As a member of Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association, or VPPPA, Ty Norton will help educate others about VPP and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA.

The Voluntary Protection Program originates from OSHA and focuses on incorporating the Air Force's culture of safety in the air, on the ground, at work, at home and at play. In turn, VPPPA is a nonprofit and charitable organization that leads OSHA and supports cooperative safety and health programs, such as VPP.

"Union support for VPP initiatives at Tinker AFB is a vital part of what the program is all about," said Lt. Col. Thomas Painter, 72nd Air Base Wing chief of safety. "Having a union rep on the National VPPPA education committee shows that our hard work and efforts at Tinker AFB are being recognized by a professional organization that is well versed in VPP."

Tinker AFB and AFGE 916, as a union member, enrolled in VPPPA in 2007. Mr. Norton said that among the benefits, VPPPA members could apply to sit on one of the VPPPA committees.

"By being a union steward, this came naturally," Mr. Norton said. "At one of the regional VPP workshops, I showed interest in helping promote education amongst the workforce."

Mr. Norton said he received support from Maj. Gen. Loren Reno, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, John Over, OC-ALC executive director, and James Schmidt, AFGE 916 president.

Mr. Norton said his objective is to ensure Tinker AFB is up to date with the latest safety and health information. Furthermore, he said he aims to strengthen the educational partnership between the base and outside agencies, and help Tinker AFB become a world-class culture for safety and health.

"I shall represent Team Tinker, not just my AFGE 916 peers," Mr. Norton said. "Officers, enlisted, civilians and contractors, all have an equal right to a safe and healthful workplace.