NAPE/AFSCME member Jeff Kosch, a Maintenance Technician at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home, prevailed in a grievance after he did not receive a response to his vacation leave request.
After submitting his request, Jeff received no communication from his supervisor. Our union contract states that employees must receive a response to their vacation leave requests within 7 calendar days of submission. The dates Jeff requested off were fast approaching, and he knew it was vital that he get help with the situation right away.
Jeff reached out to his union steward and was promptly put in contact with a NAPE/AFSCME field representative.
“I wasn’t sure what was going on because I hadn’t heard back [from my supervisor],” he said. “I also hadn’t gone through the grievance process before and didn’t know what to expect, but I’m grateful that I reached out because everything ended up working out.”
The grievance was resolved quickly, and Jeff was able to take the requested time off. He said he was thankful for how quickly our union was able to help get things resolved and noted that it’s because we have a strong union that we’re able to be effective and efficient. That’s why he takes the time to encourage his colleagues to become active union members.
“I was a member of my union years ago when I worked at Land O’Lakes in Schuyler, Nebraska,” he said. “Since joining NAPE, I’ve learned how important it is to talk to the new employees as they’re starting. So, I try to do that. I tell them my stories from back in Local 22 and from here at NAPE and a lot of them end up joining after I talk to them.”
Jeff did the right thing by contacting his representative right away. Strict deadlines apply when your rights are violated in the workplace. If you do not receive a response to your leave request within 7 calendar days – or if you believe your request has been unreasonably denied – contact us right away.
