Yep, believe it or not, kids, your ol' Maw is seriously--I mean SERIOUSLY--considering joining a union. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is starting a new push to sign up more State workers; and with the shape of our economy and the way the Powers That Be are getting ready (it seems) to screw us over, this is their golden opportunity to get folks to sign up.
You know what a HUGE departure this is from my usual anti-union feelings; but by God, if it takes my joining a union to save my (and Dad's) benefits both now and during retirement, then I will do it.
AFSCME even had people going from door to door to State employees' homes--we had two stop by the house on President's Day. I had some questions for them, so I invited them in . . . and I grilled them for the better part of an hour. I also offered them some suggestions on what they need to do to get The Word out to more of the lower-level peons (like me). I could see Dad giving me the very confused eyeball, but he didn't say anything.
As we were eating dinner, I asked him "So--do you think I have the chutzpah to be a union shop steward?" He looked at me and said "I never thought I'd ever live to see the day you sounded so pro-union." My answer: "Neither did I!"
But yeah--if that's what it takes, so be it! I'm bloody well damned fed up with State workers always being the ones who have to give up the most.
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After reading both this post and the one before, you should take a shot at the shop steward position. You're thoughts are thought out, clear, and backed up with research.
ReplyDeleteAnd there's no reason to stick it to the state employees when there are bigger fish getting fat tax benefits. Taxes on developers, tobacco, and alcohol seems like a way to go. Too bad you couldn't get the State sales figures (and tax revenue figures) to add to your letter.
The teachers' union just caught up with me. Not looking forward to that additional deduction. Thought I might skate the year through, but nope. But I agree, with the economy the way it is, it seems like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteWell met, comrade! I think you're making the right decision, considering how things are going. And I can totally see you as a steward :~D
ReplyDeleteAnd apparently blogspot likes me again, since I'm being allowed to comment.
I also just today sent a slightly revised version of my letter to our new State rep, Brad Bennett, and our new State senator, Brian Bushweller. Next step: Letters to the editors of the DSN, New Journal, and Dover Post. I'm going to stick with the pay/benefits portion and encourage my brother and sister State employees to contact AFSCME and UNIONIZE!!! We got one of those "It's a rough old world" e-mails from our HRO today, and it sounds as though the PTBs are *seriously* considering whacking us for our bennies. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
ReplyDeleteDyslexics Of The World Untie! You have nothing to choose but your lanes!
ReplyDeleteAny comment on Gov. M's address today? Just lovely.
ReplyDelete