AFGE Local 1831 representing employees at the National Gallery of Art used to have only two or three new people to talk to at a New Employee Orientation (NEO), but on July 3, it had 14 – the largest group to date. All except one were new to the federal government. All signed up to join AFGE that day.
Local 1831 President Tambra Jackson who is the face of the local at these NEOs has been doing a great job explaining what the union does and what it means to be a member to new employees.
“I told them the key points of AFGE, how we fight for solidarity and causes and that we’re internationally known and if you have a problem you can come to the union,” Jackson said. “I also let them know that the union isn’t just there when you’re in trouble. The union is also there to mediate things. If there are things you’re not sure about or you need someone to talk to when it comes down to management or something under the EEO, I let them know I’m here as a person. I’m just like you.”
Then there’s the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that helps guide employees and management in day-to-day operations and disputes. If they are members, they get to have a say in the contract and get their voice heard.
Members also get to enjoy all kinds of discounts such as travel and insurance. If they want to push an issue with members of Congress, AFGE facilitates those meetings.
“Lots of people didn’t know that. Once I told them that, they’re like yeah,” she added.
Besides going through the key points, Jackson makes sure new employees know the local is always available if they need help. Since employees work in three shifts, she gets to work at 5:30 a.m. and doesn’t leave until 5 p.m. But members call her at all hours, including at 1 a.m., and talk to her about all kinds of things.
Jackson said a lot of new employees are young, and so it’s important to get them involved in the union as they are our future.
Asked what the local’s organizing goal is, Tambra replied, “I want to continue to bring awareness about the union and sign up as many people as I can because numbers speak volumes.”
The local represents about 300 bargaining unit employees at the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center. It has 136 members and growing.
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