Meet Lindsey Eads, one of our NAPE/AFSCME union leaders at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home (CNVH) in Kearney. Lindsey serves as a union steward and Volunteer Member Organizer and has been a proud NAPE member since she began working for the State of Nebraska in 2001.
When asked about what responsibilities she has as a union steward, Lindsey said she’s available to answer any questions or discuss workplace concerns, educate her colleagues about our union, advocate for strong communication and cooperation between employees and management, and attend meetings with employees if the need arises.
“The unknown scares a lot of people, so if I can calm them down by explaining what to expect in a meeting or hearing, I will give them as much detail as I can,” she said. “I try not to assume that people know the basics of a union or the simple things in our contract that protect us – like language about vacation leave, sick leave, and mandatory overtime.”
Shortly after becoming a union steward, Lindsey received a phone call from a member who thought they might need representation. Management had not given the employee a clear answer when he asked if the meeting could lead to disciplinary action, so Lindsey attended the meeting as his union representative.
“I had to explain to management who I was, what a union steward was, and why I was at the meeting,” she said. “At first, they tried to get me to leave, but I was firm about what my colleague’s rights were, and they actually ended up cancelling the meeting. Afterward, I followed up with him, and he said nothing else had come of it and that things had improved.”
Lindsey knows that it’s vital to engage with new employees when they begin their careers. She assists our representatives in new employee orientations and reminds them of upcoming meetings in Kearney.
“I offer to chat with them before and after work, during a lunch break, or during one of our 15 minute breaks about any questions they have,” she said. “Starting a conversation about our union helps stop the misinformation that is sometimes spread around. We need our colleagues to know about and understand the contract they work under so that they can speak up and support one another.”
Lindsey said that the more staff who know the contract and know how to advocate for themselves and others, the better things can be.
“I want current and future leaders to know that they don’t have to fear being targeted. If anything, management pays more attention to the wording and actions they use when connecting with you as a union leader. Sometimes, they even come to you with questions,” she said. “Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you can help yourself and your colleagues. It can give you a real sense of relief knowing your rights and being able to defend yourself and others with confidence.”
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