NAPE/AFSCME member Melissa Rector has worked for DHHS in Fremont as a Social Services Worker for more than seven years, processing SNAP benefits and working with the energy assistance program.
Melissa was scheduled to work her normal hours and had been approved to work overtime to help process a backlog of applications. Due to illness, Melissa took sick leave in the morning. Melissa was then denied the opportunity to work overtime hours due to the fact that she took sick leave.
“I asked for something in the contract that states I can’t do that. Eventually our unit manager got involved, but I was still pressing the issue,” Melissa said. “I talked to two union reps, and they both were on the same page that I shouldn’t have been denied.” Melissa’s union rep promptly filed a grievance on her behalf to enforce her rights, and she prevailed! Melissa was paid for the overtime hours she should have been allowed to work.
“I wanted to be the voice for others because so many people in our building get denied overtime. If they call out, they get told you can’t have any overtime,” said Melissa. “Being a part of the union means someone is going to have my back if there’s another situation. If you fully believe something isn’t right, speak up.”
Union representatives are trained on our contract to assist members in issues like Melissa’s. It’s important to know your rights in the workplace and stand up for yourself in instances of contract violations. Contact your union representative if you need help with a workplace situation. If you would like to learn more about your rights, sign up for a 2026 NAPE/AFSCME leadership training.