Member Stories

AFSCME Member wins mortgage sweepstakes

Union Plus Content Team

February 10, 2026

Gregory Watson has clocked 25 years of shifts as a member of the Philadelphia Water Department’s security detail. 

“You hit a rhythm, come in, do your gig,” says Watson. “And in security, if it’s a dull day, it’s a good day.”

Watson has been a loyal member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) throughout his quarter century of service.

“When it’s time to strike, I strike,” he says. “And I talk to the younger members of our team and prepare them for what it’s like and why we have to do it.”

Last year, his local did strike and emerged victorious. While significant, it marked the second big win of Watson’s year. The first? The Union Plus Mortgage Sweepstakes.

“Two years ago, I bought a row home in the Philadelphia suburb of Mount Airy,” says Watson. “And when we financed it, thanks to the recommendation of a co-worker, we used Union Plus through Wells Fargo.”

The Union Plus Mortgage Program, with financing available through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, helps union members, their parents and their children purchase or refinance their homes while also offering exclusive union member benefits.

When Watson received an email alerting him to the annual Union Plus Mortgage Program Sweepstakes, he entered, though he had a hard time believing he’d actually won.

“I thought it was a scam,” recalls Watson. “That’s until I got my $1,000 check in the mail and I was floored.”

Watson used his winnings to purchase air conditioning units for the hot Philadelphia summers.

“We’re able to cool both upstairs and downstairs because of it,” he says. Watson added that he thinks more people would join the union if they knew about Union Plus.

“I make sure [younger members] know about Union Plus and how great the programs are,” he says.

Visit unionplus.org/mortgage to learn more about the benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage Program.