Thoughts on Unions?

[eriehiker]

Unions are, or at least should be, a reflection of the workers at a particular workplace.  Unions are democratic organizations and the leadership is as good as the talent present in a particular unit and the contracts are only as good as the ability of workers in a particular bargaining unit or union to negotiate.  I have been president of my local through two contracts and I have held an elected leadership role for about 19 years.  I don't think that you should view the position as having a "guaranteed" anything.  That guaranteed job will only be a good job if the union is capable of negotiating good work rules and pay during the next contract.  That takes lots of work to accomplish on the part of the negotiating team.  That said, I know that my profession would not be anywhere near as good as it is without hardworking teachers who have been willing to learn about contracts and spend the time negotiating them.  So, if you are in a right-to-work state, I would encourage you to join the union and pay the dues.  No matter where you are, I would encourage you to get involved with the union because it is only as good/bad and as liberal/conservative as the members who are willing to become involved and shape its direction.