NAPE/AFSCME member Devon Gall loves his job as a Training Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). When Devon was hired by DHHS in April 2024, he was assigned to the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln and traveled to DHHS 24 hour facilities like the Norfolk Regional Center, the YRTC-Kearney, and more to provide training assistance to the staff on site.
In accordance with our contract, Devon was either provided a state vehicle to travel to the different facilities or he was paid the IRS mileage reimbursement if he had to use his personal vehicle. He was also in a paid status for the time he spent traveling to the facilities.
In January 2025, Devon was transferred to the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC). Shortly after he was transferred, his new supervisor told him that he would be required to travel to the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) in Beatrice three days a week. He would not be given a state vehicle, he would not be paid mileage, and he would have to travel on his own time, not on paid work time.
At that point, Devon contacted his union representative for help. “I wasn’t 100% sure I was right, but it seemed so wrong that I would have to do so much travel at my own expense. I knew I should ask for help from my union rep to make sure my rights weren’t violated,” Devon said.
Devon’s union representative identified the contract violation immediately. Our contract guarantees that travel between two worksites is considered work time, and union members are either provided a state vehicle for that travel or must be reimbursed at the IRS mileage rate. A grievance was filed on Devon’s behalf, and the case proceeded through the grievance process.
DHHS fought the case, arguing that it had simply assigned Devon to two different worksites, and he would have to travel to each worksite on his own. A hearing officer rejected that argument, affirming that DHHS violated our contract. Devon was reimbursed for the mileage he traveled, was paid his lost wages, and the agency was ordered to follow our contract moving forward.
“Trust your gut,” Devon said. “I was a little hesitant at first, but I’m so glad I went through the grievance process. It’s so important that our rights are respected and our contract followed.” If you think your rights have been violated at work, be sure to contact us for assistance right away. Strict time limits apply to protect your rights.
