06/01/2026
What's a meaningful moment you've had as a Local 1004 member?
Jerry Philpot, President: “During contract negotiations with a prior administration, our union was getting ready to go to impasse. As a show of unity, hundreds of AFSCME members showed up in green shirts at the City Council meeting, showing that we were united in not accepting their offer. After the meeting, the administration came back to the table with a fair offer.”
Shykell Ledford, Recording Secretary: “The HB 267 fight and referendum! I hate that it's a political thing, but it truly motivated AFSCME members to organize. The rally inside the Capitol singing ‘Solidarity Forever’ with all our union siblings is going to stick out in my memory forever. The whole experience reminded me that there are more of us than them. If we stay united, we can move mountains.”
Shelley Bilbrey, At Large: “The most meaningful experience was going to the Capitol for the first time to sit in on the legislative bill to help fight the ban on unions and collective bargaining. The other most meaningful is helping employees have their voice.”
Benjamin W. Jordan, At Large: “I've found that I don't just represent workers, I represent their families. When employees are being disciplined for poor behaviors, a common theme is that there's often an underlying issue in the employee's life at home or with their health. If the supervisor would have cared enough to inquire and been trustworthy enough to open up to, the problem could have been addressed early by connecting the employee with services that the employer offers, such as intermittent FMLA for care of spouses and children.”
Ivy Smith, Treasurer: “I could go on and on. My first thought is always about the relationships I've developed with my colleagues. Were it not for unionizing, I wouldn't have met some of my best friends in the world. Another special experience I had was giving the speech that announced our unionization. It was the scariest moment of my entire life but I'm so glad I was able to do it.”
Jerry Dunaway, Vice President: “Way back when, everyone I had asked about the union had a negative response. I found out that a few stewards had made changes, either through MOU or within their work group, to better their own career - not the betterment of the majority. I was able to change minds, and help people have a better understanding on the purpose of our union and the importance of being involved. With all this, I was able to sign up and re-sign up upwards of 40 people.”
Ben Oyler, At Large: “I was representing an employee who had been suspended because of some questionable management practices during the PD hearing. We chatted with management and clearly explained that what they were doing wasn’t quite right. After the PD hearing, the employee was able to get all their time back. They were so thankful because they were relying on a fixed income. ”
Gary Petit, At Large: “I loved getting to go to the union conference in 2024.”
Cory Lawrence, At Large: “Every time we win a grievance!!”
