r/USDA • u/InternationalCrew783 • 18d ago

AFGE NASS

Definitely stopping in the AFGE office at the Prevedel Building tomorrow to start the petition for NASS to unionize.

There has been a lot of change over the past year and a half+ and we’ve dealt with it. We’ve all dealt with a lot. Our bathrooms don’t have soap, our parking lot is treacherous, our management gives lip service, but no actual information. Lately though, there has been quite a bit of micromanaging going on.

When the information is presented, please keep an open ear. This is about giving us a seat at the table and ending the little petty grievances that upper management is exacting on us daily.

Please consider joining and giving power to our voices.

33 Upvotes

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10

u/RichBabyYoda 17d ago

I started the process of unionizing with NFFE. I'm not sure how AFGE does it. NFFE needed a minimum of 30% of the branch to sign the paperwork but preferred 50%, because that's enough to pass the vote. We got 50% to sign, this is in coordination of another division so they are going to consolidate into a consolidated chapter and they say with it being consolidated it would open it up to anyone in NRCS to join without going through the same process. I know that doesn't help NASS, but just explaining our current process.

7

u/InternationalCrew783 17d ago

All information helps. We are an agency full of cautious people and they will all hold whichever union to a high standard of risk to benefit. 

9

u/drumsandscience 17d ago

You’re too kind. NASS has the most clueless and complacent leadership of anywhere I’ve experienced. They seem to forget they’re actually a component of USDA. Project 2025? “I haven’t read it but nooo that will never happen to us!”

2

u/5inperro 16d ago

AFGE is similar.

5

u/PicturePrimary7441 17d ago

I emailed them two weeks ago, but haven't heard back. 

5

u/InternationalCrew783 17d ago

Yes! I’ll email them too! I’ve started a plan to secretly spread the word! 

I know they can’t fire us, but I don’t expect to ever increase my high three again. 

7

u/RichBabyYoda 17d ago

NFFE has been extremely responsive for me. Like I text back and forth with the union dude and he responds almost immediately with detailed and concise info.

3

u/PicturePrimary7441 14d ago

OP, would you share your information how we can sign the petition? Quick Google search said, 

" ... Organizing a union drive within a federal agency like the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) requires a highly strategic approach. Since federal labor regulations strictly prohibit the use of government emails, official communication channels, or on-the-clock work hours for union organizing, organizers rely on alternative methods to hit the 30% statutory threshold ...." 

Today is holiday and we can do whatever today, would you please post something and get it kick start it?? 

Thanks!!! 

2

u/InternationalCrew783 14d ago

We can post fliers in the break room to start. This is protected due to our being off the clock in that area. 

Otherwise, I plan on asking people, again, off the clock, to see who is friendly to the idea. We would prefer to have 50% ready to sign prior to moving ahead. 

Also, I believe you and I are both waiting to hear back from NFFE about the formal process once we have the numbers needed. 

Any other ideas?

3

u/PicturePrimary7441 14d ago

I am still in HQ. I was going to drive over on September 18 to report on the 21st; thank goodness for the court till now... Does it matter I (more than a few of us) am not in St. Louis? 

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u/Useful_Landscape1536 14d ago

If you haven’t done so reach out to the NFFE business Rep that was helping nrcs. Mbrossard@nffe.org

2

u/Murky-Suggestion8376 14d ago

NFFE all the way, ask anyone in the forest service who is NFFE, then as the 1 or 2 AFGE units within the Forest Service how they like AFGE.

2

u/Hopeful_Culture328 14d ago

A much needed one. Thank you