When NAPE/AFSCME member Chris Kava received an unsatisfactory performance evaluation he was shocked. He knew he needed to contact his union representative right away for help and guidance.
Chris takes great pride in the work he does to serve his fellow Nebraskans and has been involved in our union for years. “Every day is different. There’s always a new way we can learn to help our clients,” Chris said. “I’ve always been a union member, pretty much since my first day as a state employee. There’s a noticeable difference in how our union has grown since I first started in state service.”
When Chris received an unsatisfactory performance evaluation for 2025, he was confused because he never received feedback that he was not meeting his performance expectations throughout the year. Chris realized he needed to speak with his union representative right away to address the issue.
His union representative worked with him to file a grievance so that Chris could receive his salary step increase for the great work he had done throughout the year. Chris prevailed in his grievance, and, as a result, he received a satisfactory performance evaluation for 2025.
Chris is grateful for his union membership and to be able to have someone support him and ensure his rights are protected in the workplace. “Being a union member means there’s somebody that always has my back, even if I just need a sounding board. When we run into issues that are affecting a lot of people, we’re able to come together to make change,” Chris said.
Our union is stronger than ever. If you aren’t a member of your union, join today and stand with thousands of union members across Nebraska, just like Chris, to fight for our rights in the workplace.