Esther if you read a few more of the original statements you would see how we got up to this boil, and understand that a majority of us commenting to ourselves here are saying three basic things; in lineage with what you so eloquently expressed:

 

1.       Not happy with the raise amount of dues

2.       Question the breakdown of the 6 dollars and where it will be distributed; and a complete breakdown of our dues; also a comparative of the other unions and their dues

3.       It is discouraging that our own brethren are divided to the point and say things like: ‘be glad we have a union, pay your dues and keep quiet” ( I am not quoting anyone)

 

I don’t see any opportunity to jump levels fairly around here, merit raises = politics in Corporate America and apparently here as well. Where is my annual raise??? How do I get a level promotion without applying for a new position in a different department? The union is not at question as an entity, but what this union is doing for us as a collective body that I can come home and tell my nieces and nephews about so they have something to look forward to when they come to work here. If there is information out there to be disseminated then we will find it, if there is a system in place to work for us then those who run it or oversee it should engage us all daily.

 

I apologize for any negative tone in this message, none is meant for any employee or union brother or sister to be matter of fact.  I just want to take my turn in a few years to represent us all in our union after I get used to being a strong body member, so I am observing and learning.  What I am seeing is hard to pick up for future leaders within our group so tradition of rank and file or bargaining can continue to advance our benefits and treatments.

 

 

 

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.

 

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