Natasha Nimer had been a city employee and union member for over 10 years. In 2008, she was elected to a position as one of three trustees of her AFSCME local, and in 2010 she was re-elected to praises for her “outstanding leadership.”
photo: Goldwater Institute
Then, as the ever-conscientious Nimer asked a simple question to clarify a point about her job description, she kicked a hornets nest that resulted in such persecution by her union that she eventually had to leave her position. Her question: was it part of her duty to check the books of a taxpayer-funded insurance account managed by the union?
Nimer was told emphatically “no,” even though official documents related to her position state, “The Trustees are thereby charged with the responsibility to see that an audit of all of the funds of the affiliate is performed, either by an independent auditor or the Trustees themselves.” However, officials from the local denied she had the authority, and responded so aggressively that she called their actions “suspect,” triggering an avalanche of persecution.
Nimor sought help from the NAACP, causing the AFSCME to send an internal judicial officer to investigate. It was no surprise when the officer cleared the local board of wrongdoing, and Nimer had had enough and left the union.
“Nothing’s going to change,” Nimer said. “With my knowledge of what’s really going on now, I don’t want no part of it. It’s not worth it. I don’t want my name on it to say I support it.”
