Education Support Professionals in Boulder, Colorado
I had enriching and unique opportunity in May. I spent four days in Boulder, Colorado helping the National Education Association organize a group of education support professionals in the Boulder area. This group of ESP members consisted primarily of maintenance workers, bus drivers, custodians and food service workers.
The union that was in place for these workers was an independent union that was started by some of the individuals that worked in this area. The members paid $2 a month dues and definitely received $2 a month representation. Wages were bargained for the benefit of those who had more representation on the bargaining team. Maintenance workers were the primary negotiators so they would get 6% to 7% raises and the rest would get a 2% raise. Negotiations were never discussed with the members. Tentative agreements were never taken to the members. Contracts did not need to be ratified. No one else had a say or vote. The members would get a piece of paper with the final numbers on it and you would have to figure out what your raise was. You can understand why there was need for change.
Randy Huckaby (left), a member of a nearby UniServ, Jeanne Powers (center) from the Boulder area and Kay Hansen (Wisconsin NEA director) are at work on an organizing effort in Boulder, Colorado. Powers is a custodian and one of the key organizers in the campaign. |
There were approximately 70 schools that we visited over a two-week period. We would visit before school, after school and during break times to talk to the workers, give them information about our union and answer their questions. At times there were language barriers because many did not speak English, but working together the message got across. There needed to be a change.
After 10 days of going out to the workers and organizing, the vote was held. I am happy to say we won; we now have the potential of 667 new ESP members in the Boulder Valley Classified Employees Association, Colorado Education Association and the National Education Association.
This was also the first time NEA had directors help in an organizing campaign. Organizing campaigns such as this were formerly done by staff members only. Having ESP members join in the campaign is an historic event for the NEA.
I had the opportunity to work closely with several of the workers and local organizers from Boulder and I will never forget them. They were my family during the few days that I spent with them. I may never see them again but they continue to be my family, they are my union brothers and sisters. When we come together to work for a common cause, a bond is formed.
This is what our Association is all about – education employees working together for the common good of all. And, as the organization continues to grow, we all become stronger as more minds, hearts and voices join together to support public education and one another.
Posted June 12, 2008