NAPE/AFSCME member Eric Bachenberg has been a state employee for longer than most of his coworkers have been alive. Eric has dedicated 47 years of service to his fellow Nebraskans.
“When I started with the state in February 1979, I was in data entry. That was back before the internet. We had a data entry unit of about 25 people. What we did all day was enter data into the state computer system,” Eric said. “I could do over 1,000 entries in an 8-hour shift.”
Eric became a union member in 1981, because he wanted to make sure he could protect his rights with support from his colleagues after he was bypassed for a promotion. “I was the most senior person who applied for the position. They promoted someone who had less seniority than I did,” he said. “I filed a grievance after that.”
Before NAPE/AFSCME had collective bargaining rights, the grievance process looked much different than it does today. When Eric filed his grievance, it was done with a hearing officer in a trial setting. Eric knew in 1981 state employees needed a new process, and to do that, we needed a stronger voice.
Eric joined the union before state employees had collective bargaining rights, and Eric and his colleagues joined together to win passage of the State Employees Collective Bargaining Act in 1987. During his career with the state, Eric has been an active member of NAPE/AFSCME. From attending conferences, to serving on committees and attending his area union meetings, Eric is a familiar face to many members.
During Eric’s four decades of state service, he has worked under several different administrations, and nineteen collective bargaining agreements. Eric’s advice to others is simple. “Join the union, be active, and take part in events. You have to be politically active because the body that has the final say in state affairs is the legislature. Work with your legislature to get senators elected that will be supportive of state employees.”
NAPE/AFSMCE is thankful to Eric for his involvement in our union over the years.