Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Staff at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) New York Water Science Center have voted overwhelmingly to join the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).
The new bargaining unit covers more than 100 workers who perform critical work monitoring and protecting New York’s water resources. This includes hydrologic technicians, geologists, physical scientists, hydrologists, biologists and other science professionals at multiple locations across the state.
“I come from a proud union family, and I experienced firsthand the value of union representation in my previous state government job,” said Rebecca Gorney, a USGS biologist and organizing committee leader. “When dramatic changes began affecting federal workers in 2025, conversations among my coworkers quickly turned toward organizing. As we watched staffing levels decline through firings and buyouts, many of us realized the importance of having a collective voice. Through all the uncertainty, employees came to see that a union provides stability, protection, and a voice in the workplace.”
“This campaign is a perfect example of what happens when workers take ownership of their future and stand together for a stronger voice on the job,” said IAM Union Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge. “Rebecca and her coworkers built this victory from the ground up through determination, solidarity, and countless conversations with their fellow employees. We are proud to welcome these dedicated USGS professionals into the NFFE-IAM family and look forward to helping them build a strong first contract.”