I think this list could come up with many anecdotes both pro and con. I myself being a Teamster for many years could give a completely opposite picture to the one you gave... but I'm not sure that advances the discussion on what type of change is possible.
It seems many of us are not happy with the current structure, MEA involvement and dues increase. The real question is whether all of these complaints will just die on this list or will someone take the lead and express some of our frustrations and possibly make some positive changes? Personally, I'm swamped but if I knew there were many like-minded people than who knows??
One more thing, I am not trying to take ANYTHING away from those who are satisfied with the APA. I just dont like others views imposed on me. In 2008, it just seems backward that to work at a public university, I either join the union or simply look elsewhere for employment.
That doesn't seem democratic at all.
-russ
>>> "Esther V. V. Reed" <[log in to unmask]> 10/8/2008 1:22 PM >>>
Well said, Linda.
I have not read all comments, but those I have seem very concerned about
the cost of a Union (good questions) but oblivious to the benefits of a
Union. Our job security, health benefits, regulations regarding our
hours, and rules regarding how our employer may treat us come directly
from our Union negotiations. Not from MSU's benevolence.
I worked in N.C. for 6 years at 3 different companies (2 of then
Universities) -- all without unions. Many bosses gave raises based on
flattery ("he's a good team player" = laughing at the boss's jokes for
an hour every morning instead of working). Forget performance, work
quality, and merit. If you wanted a good raise or promotion, work had
better come first ahead of everything: you better be willing to skip
your kid's birthday dinner and work late on a project; or suddenly work
15 hour days to get somebody else's project done (and who cares if you
get sick afterwards); or cancel your vacation because your boss
"forgot" a critical project. If you say "No, my family comes first."
too many times, don't be surprised when you are given a 0% raise, or
"let go" with no warning, no recourse, and no severance pay. I saw that
happen.
Don't be fooled into thinking that this type of behavior is rare or just
from the 1950's. Companies are out to make money, period. Most do not
care about you -- they want the job want done as cheaply as possible
(hence out-of-country out-sourcing). You and your benefits cost them
money, and reduce their profits. If you are a shining star and have
head-hunters lining up to hire you willing to give you whatever you want
just to get you to work for them, sure, no problems. Otherwise, you'd
better be ready to play the game, and have no life.
I am not saying that the APA Union is perfect (I'm not thrilled about
the increase either), but I do appreciate our Union and it's protection.
________________________________
From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Linda Losik
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:19 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MSUNAG] APA Union Info
Please note everyone: Danny is the one who keeps starting all the
lawsuits, thus wasting everyone's (read OUR) money and time. He
appears to be very anti-union because he is supported by anti-union
groups
I am uneasy with anything that he says mostly because he would have made
an excellent politician (this is NOT a compliment), so I suggest that
you get a large amount of salt and add it to anything that he says...
________________________________
From: MSU Network Administrators Group on behalf of Danny Layne
Sent: Wed 10/8/2008 10:04 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MSUNAG] APA Union Info
The APA Executive Board's antics and the looming 11% dues increase are
old
news. Check out <www.apawatchgroup.org>. These people have been raising
the
alarm for more than 18 months, including the fact that the APA Union
will go
broke if the Board continued to deduct extra money to pay for everyone's
dues supplements, MEA office space rental, and all of the Board members'
dues. The 1-day notice for Dues discussions is absurd and the 1-week
notice
about the Annual Membership Meeting is not only ludicrous, but it also
violates the Union's Constitution & Bylaws. This is especially true
since
there are MANY MANY APA Union members who did not get the latest
newsletter
or receive any notification about the scheduled Annual Meeting. The
Constitution & Bylaws also require a 30-day notice for the annal
membership
meeting (ARTICLE II: Meetings Section 1. A general membership meeting of
the
Association shall be conducted in the fall of each year. The specific
date,
time and location shall be designated by the Executive Board and
communicated to the membership at least thirty (30) calendar days prior
to
the meeting.) Remember, though... the Union Constitution & Bylaws say
MEMBERS ARE IN CHARGE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING, NOT THE BOARD (ARTICLE IV:
Officers and Executive Board Section 1. The Executive Board shall be the
governing body of the Association except when meetings of the membership
are
in session).
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