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September 02, 2011
To me, union membership is all about banding together as one unified front. It means that we are not individuals - we are a group. We are professionals who have something in place to protect us.
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August 19, 2011
As a nurse who has previously worked in non union based organizations, I would like to share my feeling of pride and respect for the union based settings. I have been so fortunate to be given the great opportunity to work as nursing assistant instructor in the public school systems, I can share first hand the commitment and dedication that union membership has given me. I have worked for hospitals and clinics that were not union based and attest to the value that unions give their employees. One of the most influential parts of being a union member is knowing that suggestions, concerns and ideas are truly appreciated and considered. I am thankful each day for being part of such a special group and it is my pleasure to say so.
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August 17, 2011
I feel it is more important than ever at this critical time in the state of Wisconsin to be a part of a union. We need to work together to create the changes that we want to see happen in Wisconsin and in education, and our union helps us do that.
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August 16, 2011
Union membership is important to me because I don't need to feel alone in my classroom. Having been a member for 11 years and active for 8 of them, I have become aware of the resources available to me, if I need them. Local members are like family, and we help each other out when necessary. In the past year given the political chaos, our membership has become stronger and I'm proud to be a part of it. I can't imagine being in a classroom without knowing there are others who will stand behind me...thousands of people. I need that sense of security. Union membership is important because it is the voice of students, a voice they wouldn't have without WEAC... After all, they don't have a corporation to hide behind. We are all they have.
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August 11, 2011
Membership for me helps us really enjoy our family time together. I look at the (WEAC Savers' Club) pages for both good deals and ideas. Every way we can make family time more affordable is great.
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August 11, 2011
I started working at MPS in 2007 – and even though I have been in the workforce for on & off for about 20 years, in a variety of positions – I had never worked in an industry or field that had union membership. To be honest – I was a skeptic. I didn’t understand why I should be required to pay dues, to a group that I didn’t even need! As a working mother, I was used to struggling to get shifts covered, (when any of my children were sick or out of school). I was a stay-at-home mother for many years – dependent on my husband’s insurance for coverage - and we had come to accept that fact that tax refunds were for annual trips to the dentist – not for family vacations or bulking up our savings. No matter that I was a college graduate – I had to choose between being readily available to my children (while being financially uncomfortable) or working full-time, and missing out on important formative years. Now that I have been at MPS for several years – not only do I understand the purpose and reasons for a union – I can see how this union has made our family life better. First and foremost, I am incredibly thankful for my insurance benefits. We have three children in our home – all of whom play sports. My husband & my son have asthma – that includes expensive medication and pricey office visits. We have the “lesser of the two insurances” and I can’t imagine life without it. Not only can we afford the visits – we are able to properly manage their symptoms with preventative medication – making emergency room visits nil. While I have amassed many sick days, I feel comfortable knowing that if my children are sick, I don’t have to choose between getting my expected paycheck or taking care of my children. I think that this is the biggest game changer in our lives. I’ve NEVER had sick pay and I have to tell you – the peace of mind that it affords my family is priceless. These are just two of reasons that the union is so important to me! I could go on….and include medical incentives, pay increases, and union representation…but I’ll stop here! Thanks WEAC !
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August 01, 2011
Philosophically, I believe that our collective voices as union members help balance the power of corporate America. We are stronger together than alone, and without that balance, corporate greed would go completely unchecked.
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July 25, 2011
Big business and wealthy individuals have ready access to and influence upon government officials because "money talks" (as evidenced by the false "David Koch phone call to Scott Walker" hoax.) By contrast, the only way in which the common man's voice will be heard is through the strength in numbers offered by unions. Strong union membership is the only way to achieve some balance in government decision-making and force government to pay attention to the voice of the common man, as opposed to serving only the wealthy or corporate interests. Strong unions help to level the playing field.
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July 22, 2011
I like being a part of a union because of the benefits of a united front when dealing with issues like collective bargaining - finding the balance where students' needs are met and the teacher's responsibilities are respected is easier when we come together. Also, as someone who speaks her mind, I like knowing that as long as I'm within reason I will be protected from the weak-minded, knee-jerk reactors that occasionally are called "my boss."
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July 21, 2011
Union membership allows my individual voice to join with the voices of other educators to make meaningful changes in public education that benefit our students, our families and our colleagues. Alone, I cannot advocate for class size that allows me to tailor my instruction to the learning needs of my students; adequate time to plan and prepare lessons to meet a variety of learning styles or the ability to use sick leave to care for my own children. I know that through membership in my union that I join with educators in my local, and through my local across my state and through my state across the country to stand for what is right, just, and honorable; an outstanding public education experience for our students and their families and a profession that honors the dedication and service of public schools educators. The 860 members of the Auburn Education Association stand with our fellow union members in Wisconsin as you continue to make a positive difference in Wisconsin Public Schools for all students.
- Cathy deJong, President Auburn Education Association (Washington State)
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July 21, 2011
Three years ago I had a principal who wrote my performance evaluation on heresay. My union president worked with me thru the process to get the evaluation wording corrected. It had nothing to do with my teaching, but rather the gossip from another staff member. I have chosen to be a member of the union this year. As a kindergarten teacher, I rely on my union legal backing if I would ever need it. I help my students fasten their pants and buckle belts. All it would take would be one fruity parent to make a wrongful claim that I touched his/her child. Many non-union friends asked me, "Shouldn't the school district protect you in that situation?" My response: they should...but would they? Look how they have treated the Hudson 40? Look how they "value" us but make us work extra hours as punishment. I feel my union is important for the legal backing.
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June 30, 2011
Over the past 30 years as a WEAC member, I have seen on multiple occasions, the power of the union working on behalf of individual educators. Without the union these educators would have been either at the mercy of an uncaring and overbearing administrator, or simply out of a job. The strength of our association comes from our unity and solidarity. It is a scary world out there right now, and the only way that we can make it is by pulling together, and remaining strong through our union.
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June 30, 2011
Union membership is important to me because I then belong to a large group of like minded people who support children and providing the best education possible. This same group also supports the best educational practices and gives me information that I can use to continue these best educational practices in my own district. Union membership also gives a larger voice at the State and National level to lobbying efforts. These lobbying efforts are vital to continue recall elections and get our ability to collectively bargain back!!
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June 29, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it gives us unity so that we may better serve our students and the community. Our working conditions are student's learning environments. The union assures that are working conditions support student learning.
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June 29, 2011
My Union membership is now more important to me and my family then ever. In this ever changing world and society, I look to my union for strength and stability to ensure I have a safe and respectable work place for me and my kids to learn in. Without a doubt, we - teachers, students, and parents -- need this in our schools to keep them great.
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June 28, 2011
I am new to the union, and with all that is happening in the State of WI I am just happy to have someone fight for not only my rights, but for the rights of the children we nurture in the schools.
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June 28, 2011
WEAC offers me a great deal of protection and security so I don't have to worry while doing the best I can to reach my students.
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June 28, 2011
We need the support from our fellow leaders.
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June 28, 2011
I feel we have an extended family with our ESP membership in our district. Being in the Union extends that family even farther. I have been a member for 11 years but only an active member the last 3 years. It has been an amazing experience. I attend everything I possibly can to help our members, locally, state and nationally. I am proud to be part of an organization that cares so much about its members. It has helped widen my work knowledge, save money on travel and so much more. I feel I am a better person because I am a Union member.
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June 27, 2011
Our union is the working example of the phrase "we are all in this together". That means we share success and failure together.
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June 27, 2011
Ever since I started teaching 15 years ago, WEAC has seemed like a "big brother" to me. It keeps me connected and involved in the ever-changing world of education.
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June 27, 2011
Union membership is very important to me because it keeps my workplace safe for my students, colleagues, and community. It also allows for an optimal learning environment for my students. Being a union member also provides unique opportunities for me to collaborate with other professionals, which benefits my students, colleagues, and community. I know, without a doubt, that my union is there in my best interests, the interests of my students, and always will be. I appreciate that.
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June 27, 2011
Union members work together for the common good of ALL kids and teachers. We are all mentors to each other offering expertise in areas such as curriculum, classroom management and advice in administrative & parental issues. We are vested in our colleagues and are there to provide social/emotional support if needed. Most importantly, we are there for our new teachers and are vested in helping them to be the best teachers they can be.
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June 27, 2011
Standing Strong and united gives us a voice to advocate for public education. The union is not just some faceless entity; it is each and every teacher who desires to advocate for kids. Our united voice is what sets us apart and is why the Republicans want to destroy us. We Must stand united.
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June 27, 2011
I am a proud member of WEAC and have been for 20 years because I believe in the pledge that we all take as Americans, one nation with liberty and justice for all. Before there were unions, our workplaces were unsafe and workers were treated unfairly according to the whims of their employers. Unions helped establish laws that protect workers' safety and equal treatment. Though I hadn't realized it until recent events, my unions have been behind me, quietly supporting me for all of these years. Until this year, I believe that I and many people took the work unions do for granted. We can no longer allow the work to be done only by our union leadership, we all need to be informed, involved and active members if we want to keep the rights we deserve. In the past 6 months, I have seen first hand in Madison what we all can do when we are focused on common goals.
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June 27, 2011
The union membership has protected my job and has helped me keep my benefits through negotiations. They do a good job looking after us.
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June 27, 2011
For me union membership is important simply because it brings "solidarity" to the work I decided to pursue 7 years ago, after being a journalist. With a union, my deep desire to give the best to my high school students is supported, whether it be in the rallies at Madison and Milwaukee I joined in (not during school time), but also in support with building representatives, e-mails and opportunities to volunteer. Finally, it makes me feel like I belong to a community who truly "cares" about me as a teacher. And that has helped me respond even more positively in my classroom to my students, whom I believe deserve the best education available - after all they are our next leaders!
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June 22, 2011
Not only is WEAC there to help me out if and when I need it but the union has always stood up for worker's rights. Advocating is a very important part of what WEAC does for me.
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June 22, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it gives us as teachers a collective voice. We are good about advocating for our students, which sometimes puts our own interests on the back burner. By being a part of a union we can concentrate on our profession and share in our political voice.
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June 20, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it represents the value and determination my father instilled in me as a child. As a father of 7 young children, he worked hard as a factory worker and member of his union to make ends meet. Many times he went on strike to improve working conditions for himself and his colleagues. Because of this determination, he and the others were able to improve working conditions for themselves and for those who worked there in the future. I admired that determination and vowed to keep up the fight if I was ever in that situation. Well, as an adult, I am in that situation and plan to work hard to maintain the working contitions we now have. Solidarity!
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June 20, 2011
United we stand, divided we fall. Without the power of unions, we are subject to the mercy of Big Business. Without the union, the individual worker has no clout. Unions give us a place at the table! This isn't just a matter of salary but of fairness and equity.
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June 20, 2011
Unions are among the most important organizations in the U.S. Unions have set the standards for working hours, breaks, worker's compensation, protection from discrimination, work safety programs and wages. Unions have fought for these rights. Unions have changed the working environment and if we lose unions it would be a great loss to the middle and working class citizens.
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June 20, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it provides me with a sense of security.
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June 20, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it lets me take risks as a teacher. I will succeed and I will fail--we all do when we take risks. I know that with a strong union supporting me that I will not be subject to the whims of one person or point of view. Without the support of a union, I would be more apt to stick with the safe methods, whether they are best practice or not.
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June 20, 2011
It is important for people such as myself to join unions because union members have historically raised the bar for ALL workers to have better conditions, fair pay, and more rights.
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June 19, 2011
Union membership is the most important safety net for middle-class workers. Without the protection provided by collective bargaining these workers are open to serious infringements on their working conditions and overall quality of life.
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June 18, 2011
Union membership is important to me because the Union informs me of threats to my profession - and working people in general - and makes it possible for me to join like-minded people to make my voice stronger.
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June 18, 2011
Union membership is important to me because we need to stand together in order to get back our collective bargaining rights. Being united is the only way we will be able to make a change.
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June 18, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it provides educators with a voice. Too often the "business" side of education is presented to the public as the main priority. Union membership allows educational professionals to advocate for our priority...the students! We truly are on the front lines and "see" how policies (good and bad) impact student learning.
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June 18, 2011
Some of our union dues are used to help elect candidates that will fight for what is best for our students and our schools. Without legislators in Wisconsin that care about education, this whirpool that Governor Walker has started will continue. We need legislators that will continue to fight for excellent education in Wisconsin and WEAC supports this process.
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June 18, 2011
It gives me security. It's like insurance, it's there when you need it. It gives you peace of mind.
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June 18, 2011
The union has always been there to advocate for our members when they had questions, concerns and grievances. I personally had a lengthy grievance during which the union was with me both with legal and moral support to advocate for my job. The union has been the voice of the employee when district contract negotiations have ensued.
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June 18, 2011
I would like to thank the Fitzwalkers for helping me understand the role and purpose of my union. It's one thing to read about the role of unions historically, but it's another to live through the experience of having everything that is important in your profession attacked. The Fitzwalkers have helped me to appreciate my union like I never have before.
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June 17, 2011
Union membership has meant a great deal to the financial survival of my family. At the end of the 2007-08 school year, I received a budget driven lay-off from the district where I worked for 21.5 years. This occurred less than 5 months prior to the date when I would be eligible for early retirement. The attorney for the North Shore United Educators helped the district appreciate the wisdom of allowing me to take an unpaid leave until my 55th birthday, followed by early retirement. As a single parent with three teenage children, being able to keep our health insurance has meant a great deal. I have been fortunate to find new employment (although at a salary about $24,000 less, yearly, than in my former position) and to sell my home to "downsize" my mortgage payments. My early retirement benefits include contributions to a tax sheltered annuity. At a time when I need every penny of income to meet my family's needs, I have been unable to save for retirement. It is a comfort to know these funds are being put aside for the future. My state of Wisconsin pension has allowed me to continue helping my son with college expenses, kept my older daughter on her soccer team and my allowed my younger daughter to continue her music lessons. I have two stickers on the 17 year old Buick I drive to school each day, "Stand with Wisconsin" and "Care about teachers like they care about your child." Thank you, WEAC!
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June 16, 2011
The union speaks for those of us who would not be heard as an individual. This takes place at the local, state and national level. The voice of the union is the voice of the middle class.
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June 16, 2011
I have always felt strongly about being a part of a union. Especially at this time I am proud to say that I believe unions are even more important. I have benefited in so many ways because of the hard work of so many members before me. I am hopeful that my union will remain strong and continue to work through this difficult time with us. I have enjoyed the feeling of security and fellowship knowing that I was a part of a group of great people who care about what is best and important for both the members and education as a whole. In Solidarity, Jackie Bergman
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June 15, 2011
I have been a proud member of WEAC for about 20 years. After teaching in a southern state (a Right to Work State), then moving to Wisconsin, it was a positive difference in how professional educators were treated by administrators here. WEAC unifies the members in a professional way to empower the teaching profession. I have attended the WEAC Academies for the outstanding support to become a National Board Certified Teacher. Without this support and help from WEAC (Ron Jetty and others, thank you), I wonder if I would have achieved this accomplishment. WEAC cares sbout its members in many ways and in turn this influences student learning in the classrooms across the state! Thank you WEAC!
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June 15, 2011
The union represents me and my job, helping me to make the most of my job and thus influencing the future of our children.
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June 13, 2011
When I was in Graduate School I read an article about how to be a creative and an effective employee. The article said that you must be able to go to work believing that you can stand up to your boss at any moment. If you are afraid to do that you have lost your ability to be innovative and creative. The best ideas happen when people take risks. When people live in fear, creativity goes away to make room for the flight or fight response. Union membership allows us to speak-up for the benefit of the students.
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June 13, 2011
We would not have the pay at all jobs not just union we would not have safe work places at all jobs not just union and we would not have the freedom to feel we can stand up to the companies who want to treat us as less than them and the biggest reason is that we the american people stand as one and not divided as the government at most levels would like us to be stand as one not alone we are the power that are here to stay as free people we are and will stay when we stand together and never ever say never and we are proud to help all so it gives me great strength to say im a proud union member forever no matter what. thank you all members be strong always.
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June 13, 2011
I have always supported the union. This comes from years of being the daughter of a union member. I remember my dad going on strike at Oscar Mayers in Madison. It was a tough time in our household, but my dad truly believed in the union philosophy and commitment. It was just the "way of Life" in my home, growing up. I have lived my adult life with the same philosophy and commitment. Though I am not as eloquent as my father or my fellow union members, I still try to do what I can to be a strong union advocate.
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June 12, 2011
When my life was at its busiest, teaching full-time art and raising a family, I needed the professionalism and sense of purpose that WEAC gave me to keep going. I learned so much from my senior colleagues involved in WEAC activities.They modeled what education should be and could be through opportunities to be innovative and create/support new venues of learning for students. When naysayers and negative forces would criticize our profession, WEAC associations gave me a support system that helped keep me strong and focused. I value my lifetime membership and association!!
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June 12, 2011
Union membership is important to me because there is strength in numbers. What is happening in our state affects every teacher. We have worked too hard to get the benefits that we have to see them taken away. What affects one teacher affects all teachers. We are rallying for a cause that if it goes into effect, will have a detrimental result on the education of our children. We must remain strong and the unions are one way to show our strength.
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June 12, 2011
Union membership is fundamentally important because it allows workers to have a body that looks out for their best interests, a safe workplace, equity, and it allows our voices to be heard. The organization one works for is led by people and people make mistakes, whether intentional or unintentional. Having union leadership means workers have someone who is committed to advocating for the individual if that person has been mistreated. They also have the experience of negotiating with the employer and with a Union, employers can't as easily dismiss or ignore rectifying a mistake. Furthermore, the Union leadership has the time and focus to more carefully interpret changes being introduced by the employer. The changes asked for by an employer may seem innocuous at first glance, but a seasoned Union leader will more readily recognize how the changes could adversely affect the employees. Think about practices such as downsizing products in the store (decreasing the amount of product you receive for the same price) or how businesses offer what seem like freebies to customers (free upgrade in internet speed for 3 months) but when the customer wants to go back to the old speed to save money, they're informed they've lost the cheaper price and are stuck paying extra the rest of the time they stay with that provider. These are the same type of things employers do. Having a Union protect me ensures my working conditions, student learning conditions, and the compensation I receive are each better.
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June 12, 2011
Unions represent an honorable and noble tradition to better people's working and living conditions. Too often I see unions used as a scapegoat for all manner of ills in the work place and/or economy. Though not a perfect solution, union membership provides the ability of employees to garner benefits through belonging to a group. Our strength lies in our commitment to purpose. In times like these, we must consider our long term purpose and act as we encourage our students so often: Don't give up. We must persevere. In the words of Susan B. Anthony: "Failure is impossible!"
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June 12, 2011
Through WEAC, I have felt that I'm informed of what is going on in eduction both in Eau Claire and around the state. I have felt backed and supported with people I can turn to with questions and support.
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June 11, 2011
When my wife got pregnant with our 3rd child, I decided it was time to resign from the head football coaching position. The job was simply interfering with me being a good dad and was too much for my wife to handle alone during football season. Because of my success, the administration felt I should continue. I tried to explain the best I could but they would not listen. They tried to force me to coach. I contacted our union rep and we fought for my wanting to do the right thing. This was a very stressful time for me and the union was there to help. Fortunately it worked out in my favor and I can never thank the union enough for their help.
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June 11, 2011
Over the years there have been various administrators who have targeted, harassed, and bullied staff. Without the union and its backing from UniServ Offices and WEAC, much of this type of behavior could continue unchallenged. When you "stand alone" (i.e., witjout a union), good luck!
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June 11, 2011
Utah Phillips said it best: "If I cannot dictate the conditions of my labor, I will henceforth cease to work." Unions protect workers from the unwarranted attacks. They do not protect bad teachers, but only ensure that teachers receive fair, just treatment. Unions are in my blood. My grandfather was union. My dad was union. My mom was union. And I am union.
I am now officially retired after 35 years in the profession I have enjoyed. The last 32 years have been in the same school. Without a union, teachers have no protection from vindictive bosses, be they principals, superintendents, school board members, or legislative officials. Unions give voice to the many, they join people in a common cause. Without unions, individuals today would have less, if any, health coverage, less if any pension funds. Without unions, roads and bridges would be less safe. Without unions, houses would be built at the whim of contractors, not the bricklayers, carpenters, and electricians. Union strength is paramount in staving off the excesses of corporations and the greed of owners.
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June 11, 2011
Union membership is important in order to balance the extremist wills and initiatives of the political machine. It helps educators to organize and to stand up for the voices of our children who are often shunned and forgotten. WEAC and the JEA encourages innovation and planning for the future of education in our state and the city of Janesville. Thank you WEAC for organizing my union brothers and sisters during the last six months of these trying times.
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June 11, 2011
I was instrumental in starting the union for the support staff in the early 1990s. We were experiencing people who were having to do things that were causing them health and safety concerns. Along with that some people were being treated differently than others. I know and believe that without unions we will be doing things that are not safe or be told to find a new job. It took us three years to get our first contract and during those years union organizers were being forced to do some extremely spirit-breaking jobs. Without our contract I know our jobs will be subcontracted out of the district. Our future working for the district will end without unions and the contracts we have fought so hard for.
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June 11, 2011
Union rights are a privilege my 95 year old father and his contemporaries fought for many years ago. Having worked many postions that were non-union over the years, I know that the union provides services for workers that protect them in the workplace. Unions also help to set fair wages for both union and non-union workers. Unions have helped enact laws to set fair work hours and abolish unfair labor practices. As a bus driver for UMOS I saw how migrant workers and their families are treated. This is how all workers were once treated and may be treated again if unions are allowed to die.
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June 11, 2011
Union membership allows the teaching profession to stand as one and work together for the benefit of all children. Being part of a union allows us as professionals to focus on our most important job and that is the education of children. While we do our job the union works to ensure our work environment is safe, our compensation is fair and our worker rights are backed by union support. The union provides for due process when we feel our agreed upon contracts are unfairly challenged. Union membership is important to me because it provides a peace of mind and allows me to put my heart and soul into the classroom where it makes a difference to my students.
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June 11, 2011
Being a union member means that I am part of something that is bigger than the subject I teach. The union does not align itself with a certain discipline. It is the one professional membership I have that strives to bring all members of the educational community together to solve problems and advocate for the needs of children and educators. My membership gives power to my voice and support to my passion for learning and teaching. In the union, the many become one. Can there be anything more democratic than that?
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June 08, 2011
United we stand, divided we fall. We stand together as workers in labor unions in order to defend ourselves, our families, our communities, and our country against corporate greed and social injustice. Greedy Wall Street bankers, multinational corporations, the billionaire Koch brothers, right wing think tanks, and an army of Republican politicians have declared war on working people, senior citizens, school children, minorities, homeless people, disabled people, the environment, and labor unions. When we organize into labor unions, we become strong and powerful. We need labor unions to unite us. We need labor unions to fight for social justice. P.S. I am a former member of labor union UAW 248. I am not a member of WEAC. I just wanted to express my support for labor unions. Thank you.
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June 08, 2011
My father was a menber of WEAC for most of his life. He witnessed the growth of the teaching profession from a job with poor pay and benefits to a "Profession" with pay and benefits designed to attract and retain quality teachers. When I became a teacher, my father urged me to be actively involved in the union. He knew that the union is what has made our profession strong. It is no accident that those states with the strongest teachers' unions have the best education systems!!
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June 08, 2011
My union has allowed me to work part time to care for my child with special needs and all of my family while bringing my talents to the classroom. While my children were small, I worked at a deficit because it was worth it to our family to have quality healthcare and a good retirement plan. Due to the impending cuts in our district, I am looking for a full-time assignment and wonder who will work with my son after school, which is quite ironic.
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June 08, 2011
Union membership is not only important because of the protection it offers, but also because of the knowledge I have gained because of it whether from the annual convention or classes provided through the union.
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June 08, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it is through WEAC that I have been encouraged to become a better teacher. As I went through the process of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, WEAC was there to offer me opportunities to work with other NBCTs. As a result of this mentoring and opportunity to work with other teachers, I certified in one year. Through the process, I feel I have reflected on my practice and have become more aware of what I do and need to do to help students achieve.
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June 08, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it is part of who I am as a teacher, coworker, and employee. The union has allowed me to be the best teacher I can be. Countless times my students, their families, my coworkers, and my family have seen the benefits of unions.
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June 08, 2011
I'll tell you why the union is important to me.....The Union helped me to have great healthcare.....The Union helped me to make a decent middle class wage after working for a master's degree....The Union helped me to be a self-supporting single mom of 1 bright daughter...The Union allowed me to BUY this house, ON my own, WITHOUT being dependent on ANYONE...other than...this Union Strong Single Mom, who is PROUD to be a single mom who can make a decent living all on her own! Walker, you can cut my salary, but you can't take away my pride!!!!
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June 08, 2011
I think our union does a fantastic job of showcasing Wisconsin educators and schools. They publicize all of the good things that are happening in Wisconsin schools. They work to build partnerships with educators and the community. I also feel protected by my union. I have taught for 26 years and have felt secure knowing that my union would be there for me if I had to file a grievance and I had a just cause. It was a good feeling knowing that I had someone in my corner, if I would need it.
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June 08, 2011
I am a lifetime member of NEA/WEAC/CWUC. Even as a retiree, my union membership is important to me because I can continue to be part of a strong voice for my profession and for students (especially my three grandchildren who are all now in public schools). That voice is so important today to combat the attacks on educators and public education by the Governor and the majority in the legislature. Solidarity!!!
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June 08, 2011
I know that my union speaks in one collective voice ensuring both administration and employees agree on the same working conditions for everyone.
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June 08, 2011
WEAC affiliated local unions have traditionally bargained for smaller classes, support staff, effective programs and other conditions that have enhanced learning for our students.
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June 08, 2011
My first year teaching was in a choice charter school in Racine (21st Century Prep). Yes, one of Vos' choice schools. It is partly funded by SC Johnson and partly funded by UW Parkside. I was naively excited for my first teaching job! I watched ELL and special education students ignored. After all, if you don't test you don't have to diagnose. If you don't diagnose, you don't have to fund the help these kids need. I tried to advocate for these kids but I was fired. A union membership is important to me for MANY reasons but first and foremost, it's important because I need to advocate for my students and their needs without fear of being fired.
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June 08, 2011
To have information and people to support issues in education that affect the children of Wisconsin.
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June 07, 2011
I am holding on to the hope that through our continued support of WEAC that collective barganing will remain a vital part of the teachers' workplace. WEAC is working to defeat Walker's bill for us all.
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June 07, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it offers support and strength in a profession where we are always subject to other people in power who very rarely listen to us. My union offers information, assistance, and guidance. It is my voice so I can do my job. My voice is not heard by myself, but the union magnifies that voice with each member.
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June 07, 2011
When the 'repair' bill hit and my job was threatened along with 37 other teachers, my union came together, negotiated a deal, and saved my job. Without my union, I'd be without a job. My union represented me, kept me informed, and fought for me and my colleagues when I needed them the most.
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June 07, 2011
My union membership means support, support like a family supports its own. Union membership keeps me motivated to be a better teacher to all the students I serve. Union membership allows us to prove that we, as teachers, will show Wisconsin and the world that we will continue to do the best that we can for our students regardless of what others say about us and throw in our way. I am a PROUD union member and have NEVER BEEN PROUDER to say that I am a Union Member!!
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June 07, 2011
Since we are paid with what many consider to be "tax payer money" the tax payers believe we are their pawns. No matter what we do or say we are misunderstood. Being a part of a union gives a VERY LARGE group of people who "have our backs". They understand what we are going through and know where we are headed. United we stand!
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June 07, 2011
The union helps us help our students. If it were not for the unions, teachers would have an even bigger job. Teachers have way too much to do in today's society playing roles other than teacher such as counselor, nurse, advocate, etc, etc, etc.
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June 07, 2011
Union membership is important to me because it protects my rights, allowing me to do the job I love, not for the money, but for the sake of the profession.
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June 07, 2011
Unions have instigated some of the biggest workplace reforms in history. Union membership is important to me because (as my students learned while studying the industrial revolution), unions protect my work environment, hours, benefits and the overall climate of the workplace. Without unions, employers could dictate any working conditions they'd like. To those who say they don't need unions, I say this: you may not be in a union, but unions have gotten you the working conditions that you enjoy today.
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June 07, 2011
I have been a union member teacher for 13 years, and I have never truly realized the importance of my union until Governor Walker put it at jeopardy. Union membership is important to me because it allows me to have a voice in my school and in my classroom. Being a part of a union insures that I can sit down at the table and negotiate what is best for the students in my classroom and to have a say in the conditions in which I teach them.
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June 07, 2011
As a new Library Media Specialist I am comforted to know that there is a strong organization, my union, to speak on behalf of myself and my students. To quote Lio Lionni "...and together they scared the big fish away."
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June 07, 2011
When in negotiations meetings, it was so nice to have somewhere there who understood all the legalities and language of the contract. They asked questions we never would have thought of.
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June 07, 2011
Unions not only secure jobs, but they also create jobs, a better workplace, and a better product. It is commonly thought that unions protect the bad employees. In reality, they help the honest employee from the office politics. As a result, employees can focus on their job and not be constantly looking over their shoulders.
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June 07, 2011
I have been a union member for 39 years. I never really understood the true importance of a union until this year. I did not realize that the ability to sit down at the table and jointly solve problems and resolve issues was so clearly tied to my bargaining rights. Now that my board and superintendent are not required to talk to us, they are not. Now that they feel they hold all the power, they have taken it. No longer do I feel valued as an employee. Our superintendent has gone out of her way to quell our objections to her many unilateral decisions and changes by letting us know that there are dozens of people who would like to take our job. It's hard to explain the feeling of being an empowered employee. But, that is what being a union member means to me. It means I am a valued employee whose opinions matter when it comes to deciding what is good for kids.
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