If you ask NAPE/AFSCME members Dawn and Randy Archuleta where they met, they respond in unison, “In prison!”
Technically speaking, they aren’t wrong. Dawn, a nurse with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), and Randy, a Procurement Specialist with NDCS, met while working overnights at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. “We had good conversations and I became interested,” Dawn said. “I asked him out. We ended up talking for a couple hours on the first date and the rest is history.” Randy and Dawn are both NAPE/AFSCME union leaders and are very active in their roles.
Dawn, who wanted to become a voice for her colleagues in the workplace, recently stepped into an At-Large position on the NAPE/AFSCME Board of Directors. “When I started at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, that was when I really started going to union meetings. I wanted to be more involved, so I became a VMO and a steward,” Dawn said. When an opportunity arose for Dawn to be appointed to the Board of Directors, she was recommended and appointed with unanimous approval. “I talk about it all the time at work. I’m excited for the new campaigns, the bargaining conference, and getting us closer to majority membership,” she said.
When Randy became an NDCS Procurement Specialist, Dawn encouraged him to join the union. Since becoming a union member, Randy has stepped up to be a leader in his workplace by becoming a steward and Volunteer Member Organizer. “I know what it feels to think no one is there to fight for you. I wanted to be that person to fight for others. I stepped up to be a steward to fight for my coworkers and for state employees,” Randy said.
When thinking about what the union means to them, Randy and Dawn are on the same page: “It’s like a big family,” they said. “When issues arise that you don’t know if you can face, you have your brothers and sisters standing behind you to fight and to make sure you’re supported. The union is there to support you and help you find resources when necessary.” Randy said.
Dawn echoed his sentiments, “I’m not alone. Especially with the budget cuts that the Governor wants to make. If something like that were to happen I know there are others who will fight with me. Imagine having 3,800 voices behind you, it makes a big difference.”
Dawn and Randy aren’t the only Nebraska state employees who found love on the job. NAPE/AFSCME members and Developmental Disabilities Service Coordinators Lexi Cole and Simon Falcon began their relationship as employees at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
While working on the same team together, Simon and Lexi hit it off. “During one of our team meetings, she subtly said, “I want to go to Vala’s but I don’t have anyone to go with,” and it went from there,” Simon said. “We’re getting married on Arbor Day and we’re planting a tree on our wedding day.”
Simon has worked at DHHS for almost four years. “The day after our wedding will be my four-year service anniversary. I was working with a similar population while getting my masters and I enjoyed it, so I knew this would be a good position for me.” Lexi started with the state a little over two years ago. “I have a bachelor’s in psychology so I was invited on LinkedIn to apply for this position. I’m also getting my master’s in social work, so this was a great fit.”
Lexi and Simon agree that being union members means having support and confidence to perform their jobs successfully. “It’s a way of fighting for what you think is right with others. Having that sense that there’s people behind you and with you,” Simon said. “I’ve always been a pro-union guy. I’ve always felt that strong solidarity to fight with others for workers rights.” Lexi, who became a member recently, agreed with her fiancé. “Fighting for our rights as workers was the clincher for me. Being in the union gives you a voice to fight for what you want and what you need,” she said.
Our voice is stronger than ever, but with state agencies laying off employees due to the proposed state budget cuts, we need you to stand with us. As the legislature considers an unprecedented $500 million in state budget cuts, our membership shows that “We Are Nebraska!” Join today and stand together to protect public services.