In a show of solidarity, N.P.E. Local 251/AFSCME members will join striking Kellogg’s employees on their picket line in Omaha on Sunday, November 7 from 2-4pm. NPE Local 251  members are encouraged to wear green as we join in solidarity to show support for striking BCTGM union workers. The picket line is located at 9601 F Street, Omaha. Please meet at the corner of 96th and F Streets. 

OMAHA, Neb. — His family said goodbye to Jose Barajas, 46, not once but twice this summer following a workplace accident at the city of Omaha Street Maintenance yard."I just thank God I'm alive. I thank Him so much because I know without Him, I wouldn't be here right how," said Barajas.
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Barajas and his wife, Maria, are a family of faith, and they said prayers pulled them through this difficult time.

"We started praying and praying. I told my friends and everybody, 'Please start praying for Jose,'" Maria Barajas said. on July 29, Barajas, a 10-year employee of the city, found himself pinned between two pieces of heavy machinery in the Streets Maintenance yard at 96 and F streets.
"It was a bad crush injury," he said. Barajas managed to free himself and call for help before collapsing. "We seen him almost die on us the first day we were there," said Maria Barajas. Barajas spent two months in the hospital.


"It was like two to three times we thought we were going to lose him," she said. "That day his family was here from California and I told them to come inside to say goodbye to Jose because I don't think we're going to keep him."
Barajas was in and out of a coma and on a ventilator as surgeons tried to repair his massive internal injuries. He lost several organs, including a kidney and spleen.


"I keep thinking I am in a dream and I can't wake up out of the dream. It was so hard, " Maria Barajas said. She never left her husband's side. She slept in his room every night.
"She was there. Every time I looked over, she was there. That was a comfort for me," Jose Barajas said.


While the father of five fought to stay alive, his fellow city employees showed their love and support. Outside the hospital, they lined up big city trucks and made signs, letting Barajas know they were praying for him.


"It was beautiful. It was so beautiful, showing their support to us," Maria said.
Finally, doctors released Barajas, who was strong enough to recover at home with physical therapy. He uses a walker now, but grateful the accident caused minor fractures to his spine and ribs. "We have him here, and no matter what, he's a miracle. He's a miracle walking," Maria said. Barajas believes he's a miracle too.


"For sure I'm a miracle," he said. "I just know it." Friends set up a GoFundMe account for the Barajas family to help offset the rising medical bills.
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The city of Omaha sent us this statement from Deb Sander, Director of Human Resources:
"The City of Omaha is committed to safety and training and providing a safe work environment for all of our employees. This matter is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify whether proper safety protocols are in place. The City is currently working with Mr. Barajas' attorney to obtain information from Mr. Barajas relevant to the accident. Upon obtaining said information, the City will determine if any additional investigatory actions are necessary."

Local 251 is forming committees to encourage more of our members to be active contributors to our Union. We are forming a, Bargaining Committee, Stewards Committee, PEOPLE/ Political Action Committee, and a Women’s Committee. Below is a brief summary of each committee. If you are interested in being considered for a committee or would like more information about the committees please contact Kelcy at (402) 346-4011 or email at [email protected].
Bargaining Committee
 The purpose of the Bargaining Committee is to assist in the negotiate a collective bargaining agreement and develop and implement a contract campaign that actively involves members in the bargaining process to win the best possible contract for the membership. The President will appoint, with approval of the Executive Board, 3 to 5 members depending on the contract. You will only be allowed to negotiate on your contract; example: If you work for Omaha Housing Authority you can not be on the Bargaining Committee for the City of Omaha’s Contract.
Steward Committee
The purpose of the Stewards Committee is to help Local 251 Stewards sharpen their skills and build the confidence of new stewards, all while provide ongoing education for all stewards.  The committee will also work to increase understanding of the contract, work rules, policies and regulations. All appointed Local 251 Stewards will belong to this committee.
PEOPLE/Political Action Committee
As public employees we have the opportunity to elect our bosses. These are the people that control our contracts, that appoint people to personal boards, and appoint the directors to departments. The PEOPLE/ Political Action Committee will work to advance the mission of the union through member engagement in political and legislative action. We need to be aware of legislative issues that could affect not only our Union but for all of our Union brothers and sisters. We are the strongest when we stand together as one. This committee will consist of 5 members will one of those 5 members appointed as the chair of the committee.
Women’s Committee
The purpose of the Women’s Committee is to energize and develop women activist, champion issues of particular interest to women and support the union’s organizing, political and bargaining initiatives. The committee focuses on issues that are especially important to women, such as balancing work and family, child care and flexible work schedules. By taking up these issues, the committee educates women members as well as the entire workforce on how support for these issues is beneficial to all bargaining unit members. This committee will consist of 5 members will one of those 5 members appointed as the chair of the committee.

Please join Local 251 in showing support for our union brother that has been severely injured on the job, we would like you to join us at Bergan Mercy to hold a vigil of healing support.  Local 251 has requested that supervisors allow all to attend in hopes of providing hope and support to our union brother and his family.   
We will assemble at Bergan Mercy at 10:30 am on the south side of the hospital, main entrance near the flagpole.  We will then proceed to Lot B to position ourselves so that Mr. Barajas will be able to see us from his window.  Masks will be available for anyone that does not have one.  Feel free to bring posters, etc., anything to show your support for Jose and his family.  Prayers are welcome!!
Tony Burkhalter
President Nebraska Public Employees, Local 251
6910 Pacific Street, Suite 450
Omaha, Nebraska  68106
(402)346-4011

Local 251 will resume our monthly union meetings.
Per recommendations of DHHS all in attendance must social distance.
Seats will be placed six feet apart and members will be asked to wear a face mask for the safety of others.
If you are ill, we encourage you to stay home until you are no longer showing symptoms.
We look forward to seeing you in attendance.
In Solidarity

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