Month: November 2023

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on By Melissa Parker

 

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you.

In this season of thanks, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated members of NFFE1998 for your hard work, commitment, and unwavering support. Your contributions are the foundation of our union, and we are truly thankful for the collective strength and unity you bring to our organization. We recognize the challenges and sacrifices you make every day, and we want you to know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Your commitment to excellence and solidarity is what makes our union strong, and we are grateful to have such dedicated members.

As we reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving, let us also remember the importance of supporting one another and building a community that values fairness, equality, and mutual respect. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact not only within our union but also in the broader community.

May this Thanksgiving be filled with joy, warmth, and the company of loved ones. Thank you for all that you do, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

In solidarity,

NFFE 1998

Holiday

Giving Thanks with a Union Made Feast

Posted on By Melissa Parker

This Thanksgiving,  make sure your family meal helps support other working families. Supporting union-made products during Thanksgiving is an excellent way to show solidarity with your fellow union brothers and sisters. This Thanksgiving, consider creating a shopping list that includes union-made products, and encourage others to do the same. It’s a simple yet impactful way to support the labor movement and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

 

Visit  AFL-CIO Union-Made in America Thanksgiving for full list of union made products.

Holiday

A Message From Our President

Posted on By Melissa Parker

Happy fourth quarter to everyone. The end of the year is insight, and I hope everyone is planning to take some time off as we near the end of 2023. If not, please make sure you are getting plenty of rest as we are at the beginning of the cold and flu season.

As in the prior two years a meeting Secretary of State Blinken was planned with the three State Department Unions for this past August, but world events got in the way and the meeting was cancelled.

In September we were told the meeting would most likely take place in November. I was excited that we still would be having the meeting this year. But out of the blue the meeting was set up for September 28, 2023. Which for me was not a good day since I was supposed to be going on annual leave late in the day that Thursday. So, I woke up early on Thursday, September 28, 2023, and got myself down to Washington D.C. so I could make sure the voice of NFFE-1998 was heard by Secretary Blinken.

NFFE1998 President Lee Wentz with Secretary Blinken and AFGE 1534 President Chris Barnes
NFFE1998 President Lee Wentz with Secretary Blinken and AFGE 1534 President Chris Barnes

Unfortunately, our laundry list of issues had to be very short. So, after much deliberation the two main topics for discussion decided upon by NFFE-1998 were the following:

    •  Expanded workplace flexibilities and employee development to provide a larger range of career opportunities and improve employee retention and recruitment.
    • Work systems that allow us to perform our jobs productively and in an agile and adaptive fashion.
    • All applicant material is scanned into the system at the beginning of the of the process.
    • Online Passport Renewal System that works.

  • NFFE1998 President Lee Wentz. Secretary Blinken, AFGE 1534 President Chris Barnes

Only time will tell on how all of this plays out. But as always, I am glad that we get to have a seat at the table to explain and work towards our goals of better systems, adding people to the workforce, and keeping people around.

In closing thank you for allowing me to represent you along with all the other National Officers and Stewards. None of this would be possible without your support and engagement.

In Solidarity, Lee W.

President, NFFE-1998

Message from the President