NAPE/AFSCME Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs) were out in force during our July organizing blitz. Between July 17-26, our VMOs visited 37 different worksites and the homes of over 1,100 state employees to talk about our new labor contract, record salary increases, and the importance of having a strong union.
Because of our efforts, more than 240 state employees became new union members during the month of July alone. What’s more, our VMOs had conversations with more than 700 employees about their workplace concerns, the new contract, and the recent pay raises.
VMOs visited workers in Beatrice, Bellevue, Chadron, Gering, Kearney, Lexington, Lincoln, Norfolk, Omaha, Peru, Scottsbluff, Tecumseh, and Wayne. NAPE/AFSCME Field Representative Eddie Schooler spent a week visiting with employees in Western Nebraska, noting that, “It was nice to get out into these communities and talk with folks we don’t get to regularly visit with because of the distance from our headquarters. Our members in the panhandle are equally important to us, and it was great to stand united with them.”
NAPE/AFSCME Vice President Brian Koch said he was especially proud of the Volunteer Member Organizers who took time out of their busy schedules to visit worksites during the day and knock on doors after work hours.
“A big reason this organizing blitz went so well is because of how passionate our members are about our union and the work that we do,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of big goals and we’re anticipating running into some challenges along the way, but I’m excited about the growth that we’re seeing and I think it’s really going to help us down the road.”
Our success in advocating for State of Nebraska employees depends upon the support of our members, and every new member gives us more power at the bargaining table.
Even though the organizing blitz has come to an end, we’re looking forward to future opportunities to grow and strengthen our union. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Member Organizer, please email us at help@napeafscme.org.
If you aren’t yet a member of our union, please click here to join now!