We will see

[missdiane]

The Rutgers union that I’m in is taking a strike pledge Monday. They should have done this at the same time as the faculty but they have always been a weak union. I’m not a card carrying member so while I can weigh in on the pledge, I can’t vote on whether to strike.

But if they vote to strike, I have a lot of vacation time and I am the sole administator of the entire research land grant program.

Comments

[halfmoon_mollie1]

one of the most difficult times I ever had at my job was when the CSEA went on strike right after classes began whatever year that was. As assorted as library staff and janitorial staff, that union. I had no choice, I was not a union member and I can STILL remember being called names. There was a lot of stuff that went on, a lot of feelings that got hurt and some work relationships that changed forever. I do not wish the same for you.

[missdiane]

I'd like to hear anyone try to call me names. I'll remind them that I never signed up for the union yet had to pay dues for over 11 years until the Supreme Court ruled that folks that didn't sign up to be official members no longer have to pay dues.

This union is always the last to get a deal, doesn't get anything better than the non-unionized folks (yet have the audacity to act as if they scored a major victory by doing the bare minimum). And we get screwed over because their shit negotiating skills mean that we get screwed out of the full amount of back pay.

So while I'll show some meh solidarity and take a few days of vacation, if it goes on after that and Bosslady wants me to come into the office in the mornings like usual, I'll scabbity scab scab and they can bite me.

[halfmoon_mollie1]

My Dad (and my grandfather) strongly believed in unions and my Dad helped found the IBEW here in my area. When he was promoted to management they kicked him out and took away his union retirement money (luckily he had contingency plans). When the union struck at his place of work, he was smuggled in (in someone's trunk) before the strike started so he wouldn't cross the picket line, and stayed in the building until the strike was over. I thought he was crazy. I think no one would call you names because you don't come across as a wimp or someone easily cowed. I am. I cried at work more than one time during that strike.

[missdiane]

I'm sorry that people were so horrible to you when they shouldn't have been. And that really sucks about your Dad getting screwed out of retirement. That really should have transferred over.

I'm in favor of unions in general but mine has just been mismanaged and poor and they really didn't need a union for the lower-middle folks. I can see it for the dining staff, janitorial folks, etc. that really get exploited and that union is strong and gets a good deal quickly.

Also, by the nature of what I'm in charge of, the only reason I'm not management is because my bosses have chosen to never get me any help that would change my title and pay grade to what I SHOULD be. And it's not as if the union would help with that.

[halfmoon_mollie1]

it often feels that way in academe - I know how much money I made and what I did. But anyway, my dear, I hope it goes well for you.