Bernie

Bernie, 45, is a visitor information specialist for the USDA Forest Service in Wyoming. Also, she is president of her NFFE/IAMAW local and Rocky Mountain regional vice president for the Forest Service Council of NFFE/IAMAW. Through her union activities, she works directly with federal employees whose jobs have been outsourced due to privatization. Bernie’s own position is threatened by privatization, as well.

My Story
The privatization of federal jobs has shattered my community. Worland, Wyoming is a town of 6,000 people, most of whom are employed by the federal government. Now that federal jobs can be run by whatever outside contractor makes the highest bid, tons of jobs are being sent overseas. This is devastating for a town as small as ours. When 30 to 70 jobs are lost, the economy is virtually destroyed.

Helping people who are victims of privatization is no easy task. I see heavy stress and depression, even near-suicides among my friends and neighbors. Many of these people have given 30 or 40 years of their life to the federal government, only to be laid off and see their job sent overseas in order to save a few bucks.

Now, my own job with the forest service is in danger thanks to privatization.

I’ve considered changing careers. I have an architecture degree, but would have to leave Worland and most likely Wyoming to find work in this field. For me, this is not an option—I am a Native American and need to be close to my people.

I love Wyoming and my job with the USDA, but I feel betrayed seeing my fellow citizens and possibly myself self victimized my privatization. Workers are not given any consideration in this process and that is a true injustice. We need a president who will protect workers, not treat them as expendable resources.