NAPE/AFSCME member Jennifer Carper, a 29-year veteran Social Services Worker with DHHS in Kearney, enforced her rights by challenging an unjust discipline regarding overtime.
Because overtime is approved for her job, Jennifer would use compensatory time in the afternoons to help take care of her family. “I have a granddaughter, so it was helpful for me to be able to be with her.”
Jennifer’s request to use comp time was approved by her supervisor, so she was shocked when she received a notice of potential disciplinary action and contacted her union rep. “I reached out right away,” Jennifer said. “I was reassured that this would be taken care of.”
Before discipline can be imposed, our contract requires a pre-disciplinary meeting where union members have an opportunity to refute allegations. Union members have a right to have a union representative at a pre-disciplinary meeting, however, they must invoke their right to have a union representative present.
Because of Jennifer’s quick thinking to contact her union representative immediately, she was well prepared to attend her pre-disciplinary and she had her union representative present her defense. As a result, Jennifer was not disciplined in any manner. Per our union contract, employees are entitled to use compensatory time off upon request, and flexible schedule requests cannot be unreasonably denied. “My allegations were immediately dismissed based on the information provided during the meeting,” Jennifer said. It’s important to know your rights regarding reasonable requests and denials of leave. “Be an advocate for yourself and know your rights,” Jennifer said. “Don’t be afraid to call the union and stand up for your rights.” If you find yourself in a similar situation, contact your union representative right away. If you would like to learn more about your rights, sign up for a 2026 NAPE/AFSCME leadership training.