Successful Petition Drive at Chapter 68

This year, Nell Arndt, the chapter’s legislative coordinator, added a “Pay Raise Petition Drive” to other planned events. Hundreds of chapter members signed the pay petition making the event a great success.

“As the chapter’s legislative coordinator, I thoroughly enjoy educating our members on legislation and policies impacting federal employees and getting them actively involved,” Arndt said. 

Several emails and a flier were sent to members, spreading the word to stop by and sign the ‘Pay Raise’ petition. Chapter President Gary Karibian encouraged members and nonmembers at the Andover Service Center, including asking them personally to stop by the Union office and sign the petition. When asked if this was something the chapter would consider doing again, Arndt was enthusiastic.

“Absolutely,” she said. “Our chapter members enjoyed being a part of this event. It’s very important to educate our chapter members and non-members about pending legislation and actions impacting their livelihoods. And together we can make a difference.”

Nell delivered the petition signatures to Congresswoman Niki Tsongas’ Lowell, MA district office, and met with Deputy District Director June Black. Nearly 400 employees signed the petition.

Once the petition has been signed, there is a critical next step. “I hand-delivered the original petition with signatures to Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and then met personally with June Black, the Deputy District Director. The Andover Service Center is in Rep. Tsongas’ congressional district. We also mailed copies of the petitions to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and NH Congresswoman Annie Kuster and MA Congressman Seth Moulton.”

The final word from Arndt: “I love what I do for our chapter members and strive to find new and innovative ways to reach them so that they are aware of what’s happening; after all knowledge helps us make better decisions as federal employees or retirees.”