NAPE/AFSCME member Olivia Todd, a Mail/Material Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services in Lincoln, became a member of our union on her first day of work.
Olivia worked for the United States Postal Service before becoming a State of Nebraska Employee. She was a member of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), so she already knew the value of being a union member. She was excited to learn that our union meetings are open to all of our members and all it takes to get involved is a little bit of initiative.
“I think unions are super important and everyone should have access to the wages and benefits they need,” she said. “It’s also vital that people know what their rights are on the job so they can ensure they are being treated fairly.”
Olivia said she’s especially excited about joining our union because she’s coming in at an exciting time with contract negotiations coming up this fall.
“I think it’s great that I can go to a meeting and give my input and feel like that input is considered,” she said. “I also like that I get to learn about the needs of fellow employees who work in different departments all across the state. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in what’s going on in our own little world that we forget about the issues that other people are facing.”
Olivia is motivated and excited to become an active member of our union. She feels strongly that all workers deserve the right to unionize and bargain, and she knows that with NAPE she can be a part of that.
“It’s important to me to support my fellow workers because we’re the labor that makes everything run,” she said. “Our union benefits all of us, and I hope that people realize that without active union membership, none of us would have access to the benefits that members have fought for and won.”
NAPE/AFSCME union membership is at a record high, and we’re going to continue growing. Members like Olivia, those who are determined to make a difference in their workplace, are the backbone of our union. If you’re not a member, join us today!