NAPE/AFSCME member Kasie Leeling, a Lead Social Services Worker (DHHS, York), was shocked to learn that she received an unsatisfactory 2025 performance evaluation, despite never receiving any feedback throughout the year that her performance was unsatisfactory. “I work hard to help my coworkers succeed and help the clients, so I was very confused,” Kasie said.
Our union contract ensures that agencies must communicate performance feedback early, often and appropriately. However, that wasn’t the story for Kasie. “I was never informed that I had accuracy issues with my performance,” Kasie said. “It wasn’t until January that I was told I didn’t meet accuracy on my annual evaluation.”
“When I got that information, I started looking into it. I had received certificates proving 100% performance accuracy during the months that I had been told I wasn’t meeting expectations on my performance evaluation,” Kasie said. “That was when I reached out to my union rep.”
Together, Kasie and her union rep reviewed the information and filed a grievance. After enforcing our contract, Kasie prevailed. Her performance evaluation was rescored and she will receive her performance based step salary increase in July.
“I have coworkers who have gone through similar situations, and I’ve been telling them that if they’re not happy with what they’re seeing, they should reach out to their union representative and see what their options are,” Kasie said. “Since being in this position, I have encouraged my coworkers to join the union because you need someone in your corner.”
Annual performance evaluations can bring feelings of stress, anticipation, or frustration for members, and we have resources available for our members. If you have questions or concerns about your performance evaluation, contact your union representative to learn about your rights.
Kasie is proud to be a member of her union, and thankful she reached out to her union representative. “I know that someone else has my back and is looking out for me. If I have questions or concerns, I contact my union representative and work with them. The union as a whole has more power than just me by myself,” Kasie said. If you’re not a member of our union, join today! We are strongest together.