Steven Garty finds joy in keeping his hospital running

They don’t make workers like Steven Garty anymore.

This member of Local 875 (AFSCME Michigan 925) is the lead environmental technician at the Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan.

Garty removes biohazards, medical waste, and confidential and recyclable materials. He also takes stock of inventory, cleans up the stockroom, and helps maintain machines and equipment.

But that doesn’t begin to describe what he means to the hospital. Or why he’s so important to keeping the place running.

Just listen to Trina Isaac, an administrative secretary, and a fellow member of Local 875.

“Steven takes charge,” she says. “If you give him a task, if you tell him he is to lead this part of the team, he does that and then some. You know, he takes it to the next level. He takes a lot of pride in his work.”

Garty’s enthusiasm is infectious. His attitude is joyous even when he’s not having the best of days. And his optimism rubs off on others.

“Not every day I come to work is a bed of roses,” Garty says. “But I can say that there are a lot more roses than thorns. I enjoy coming to work. I really do.”

It’s that sunny, can-do outlook that makes him virtually indispensable. And it’s also why Garty is the latest recipient of AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award. Our union gives that award to members who go above and beyond their job descriptions.

Isaac says some customers will call and ask if Garty is working that day.

“They have that confidence in him to know that if he handles it, it will be taken care of,” Isaac explains.

Garty believes in treating others the way you’d want to be treated, or the way you’d want your loved ones to be cared for. And he loves the hospital that’s been his professional home for 30 years.

“I enjoy working with the people I work with,” he says. “I enjoy helping others. I hope my co-workers remember me as a hard worker, a loyal employee, a friendly, willing-to-help individual. It’s been a joy.”