Union Brothers and Sisters HELP ME!

[jamaica_dreamin]

First let me say that I am VERY pro union. If there is union I always join and pay dues. I usually actively participate with the exception of Florida Nurses Association.

I also REALLY like my job and schedule.

I have been a member of the MNA, Service Workers (in both of these unions I was involved in negotiations) and FNA. I have never taken such a screwing (and FNA is pretty bad IMHO).

I guess FL and MA are apples and oranges.

My current union shall remain nameless because I want to vent and not name them. I . Many do not pay dues as Florida is a "right to slave , ah work" state.

A couple of years (just months after I was hired) ago the contract changed so that new people coming in get credit for their experience.

I could understand if people who have been there a long time and worked there way up the steps have beef. But most of them do not (at least to me

I came in at a step 1. If I was hired now I would be a step 10. (would not do me any good quit because if I came back I would be a rehire not a new hire)

I was never happy about it.

So as time goes on I am finding this an increasingly bitter pill to swallow. We have had no raise due to the economy for almost 2 years.I have been there 3 years (in August) I am at step 2.

Those of us hired right before the change will always be the lowest paid. I usually voice my displeasure with this at union meetings (as long as I vent I won't kill any one)

At the last meeting another Steward (who I actually like) attempted to. persuade me that "we can't be selfish" I told her that my family can not eat "the greater good"I have been boiling ever since.

There are 2 nurses who have been hired since the change. One just started. The other has been on the list of free loaders (non union members) for a tleast 2 years. . If I see her at a meeting I find my self wanting to box her down I will be watching the list for the next one.

My only consolation is that if there are more cuts next year I can bump one of them. But, if the newest one pays dues I would hate to bump her (but she would be the least senior)

I think I need some shock treatments

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Union Brothers and Sisters HELP ME!

No union peeps?

Well, at least venting makes me feel a likkle better. But, It is a no win situation.

Another nurse who is in the same boat said she can't bother vex any more. She said she knows they will never fix it. She likes her job and schedule.

I just can not feel that way. The new people get to enjoy the schedule and better wages.

I have considered looking for another job (even though the job market down here SUCKS). I thought about this one night till I cried and had palpitations. But, why should i have to choose between better $$ and a good schedule when new hires can have it all?

The situation is making me sick!

I know, I know. Life is not fair

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Union Brothers and Sisters HELP ME!

Why not leave the union If they expect you to accept an obviously inferior position.
It is similar to accepting slower pay than a male worker for similar responsibilities.

What about getting the other employees in your position to switch t another union?

Which dies the union represent if not the repressed members?

I can't believe a Rep would ask a member to accept inequities.
He is probably on the management payroll on the sligh.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Union Brothers and Sisters HELP ME!

Dr D thank you for replying.

ETA quitting the union would not change my pay. That is negociated by the union (weather I join or not). We need union protection dealing with some of our kids. And some Principal's can be brutal (or so I hear). So far the ones I have worked with have let me do my job and not hassled me (I show up on time and I work)

I believe in unions (even though I feel I got screwed BIG time.

There are people already talking about talking to SEIU(but that is project managers, construction (also TSP)and it is over cuts and lay offs)

But we are already too divided. We are the "technical support professionals" (step children) in a Teachers Union. We are lucky if half the people who are eligible have joined. (welcome to Flori DUH!)

I doubt they can succeed.

but, I'm glad some one sees that I am not just selfish or crazy.

I understand in theory that they wanted to get people pay for their experience and it had to start some where. But, in reality I feel like some of us are the sacrificial lambs!