NAPE/AFSCME Volunteer Member Organizers (VMOs) are taking advantage of the momentum NAPE gained during our successful Organizing Blitz in July by volunteering their time to visit potential union members at their homes.
Union membership is at a 25-year high, and our leaders are determined to have record-high membership by the time contract negotiations start next fall. With just less than a year to reach our goal of becoming 3,000 Strong, our dedicated union volunteers know that it’s more important than ever to start having meaningful conversations with Nebraska State Employees.
“Our union is here today due to the efforts of State of Nebraska workers fighting for the right to unionize,” said NAPE/AFSCME President Melissa Haynes (DHHS, Fremont). “These workers spent countless hours of their own time having one-on-one conversations, learning workers’ stories, and fighting for us to have a voice at work. VMOs continue the efforts of our predecessors by doing that same work today.”
As we approach the next round of contract negotiations, Melissa wants to focus on listening to her fellow workers to better advocate for them at the bargaining table.
“Everyone has their own story, and it’s important that we listen to each one,” she said. “We want to know what’s important to them, what they want to see change, and how we can help them live better lives both at work and outside of it.”
This fall, NAPE/AFSCME VMOs will continue to visit workplaces and homes of potential union members to listen to their stories and hear their concerns. Their efforts will determine what our negotiating team can do at the bargaining table.
“It’s more important than ever that we have these conversations with all Nebraska State Employees,” she said. “As President of NAPE/AFSCME Local 61, I am calling on all state workers to get involved, stand together as union members, and become a Volunteer Member Organizer today!”
If you are not yet a union member, click here to become a member today!