I was hired a little over a month ago at a charter school in Broward County, and I'm considering joining a teacher's union, but I'm not quite sure whether it really is a good idea or not. I was hoping some of you would have some feedback for me, and could possibly give me some pros and cons of being a part of a union?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Don't ever join a union. Ever.

 

 

Unions outlived their purpose many years ago. There is no reason to join a union anymore.

agreed

 

if i were a teacher the first thing i'd do is contact the district HR and ask them a couple little questions about their insurance coverage - the first is if the district indemnifies you in case of loss - if so, what kind of coverage do they carry against failure to educate and general misconduct (specifically sexual misconduct)

 

this could be a little scary for them to hear - but it's important for you to know - if they have coverage then the main selling points of a union (standing by you if the district gets pressures if you get allegations) go by the wayside

 

also, you never know what kids will dream up or what their motivations are - should be protected - you said little billy had poor work, and now he has mental anguish and doesn't want to come to school - i'm going to sue

I've been a Union member since my first paycheck. I've had instances over the past 26 years where the Union has represented me and restored my rights.

 

It's an insurance policy, just like your Auto and Health insurance.

 

The legal coverage offered by Dade County covers stuff like will, estate planning, setting up Power of Attorney. They pay 2-3 hours of the attorney's time, at most. If you run into something at school, it will take thousands and thousands of your dollars to help you. If there is a violation of the contract against you, they Union represents you without you paying anything other than your regular monthly dues. NO ADDITIONAL FEES OR COSTS are involved.

 

Unions have not outlived their purpose. Have you been keeping up with what's going on in Dade County? The Union and it's members rejected a horrendous plan proposed by the Board for the members to pay part of their own healthcare. Where does it end? Yet- all upper level management received 1-5% bonus performance pay raises. I've passed my annual evaluation, where's my %??

I'd argue that Unions have not outlived their purpose, not by a longshot. Corporations have nearly all the power in the country, including an unreasonable amount of power over their subordinates. I'm a huge union supporter and I would never think less of anybody for opting to become a union man or woman.

 

I would look into the union you're thinking about joining though, and see if their goals and their actions and history line up with what your views and expectations are.

keep buying into it

 

did you know that from a risk analysis we consider union employees less likely to sue - not because they have better benefits, but since everything is collectively bargained their main source of recourse is through the union

 

also - unions are a riskier class and as a neat twist, none of the employees of the union actually are in a union

 

in todays society a couple motivated employees who ask tough questions on their own behalf and get the thought of litigation into a corporation are a lot more powerful than a union that is looking to just preserve their own well being

I am in a Teacher's Union in IL. Teaching for 18 years & I am being laid off next month because of the NCLB Act. No help from my Union what so ever. I have been fighting with the Stae of IL for over a year. I cannot get one of the Union lawyers to help me, they all partner up with the school districts & don't want to step on toes.

 

Perhaps I should sue the Union for all the things they promised and didn't deliver on and recoop so of the $500 a year that I had fed into that pit.

 

This has changed my opinion of Unions. This one anyway, is totally worthless.

 

Anyone know a good lawyer?

Even though unions are not as powerful in Florida as they are elsewhere (for example, striking in Florida would be useless, since it's right-to-work), they still serve a purpose. For example, in the four years I've had my current position, I've seen an average annual pay increase of 6% due to union-negotiated contracts.

 

BTW: nc42dad, I'm sure Barack Obama would love to hear from you.

Even though unions are not as powerful in Florida as they are elsewhere (for example, striking in Florida would be useless, since it's right-to-work), they still serve a purpose. For example, in the four years I've had my current position, I've seen an average annual pay increase of 6% due to union-negotiated contracts.

 

BTW: nc42dad, I'm sure Barack Obama would love to hear from you.

 

I contacted Mr. Barack way back last September & never heard a word. Not a single word/letter/nothing. IL is a crooked State IMO, and he is part of the system. Our current governor doesn't live at the State Capital, he commutes from Chicago at Taxpayer expense (over $60,000 last year). Our ex-Gov just went to prison... He can say what he wants, but the fact of the matter he is gonna say whatever it takes to get elected.

 

If I had a different last name & had some political connections I am sure my fate would have been different. Fact is though, my Union did nothing for me. Next thing is they will tell me I am not eligible for unemployment. I can understand everyone there and the frustration with the stadium issues - believe me.

keep buying into it

 

did you know that from a risk analysis we consider union employees less likely to sue - not because they have better benefits, but since everything is collectively bargained their main source of recourse is through the union

 

also - unions are a riskier class and as a neat twist, none of the employees of the union actually are in a union

in todays society a couple motivated employees who ask tough questions on their own behalf and get the thought of litigation into a corporation are a lot more powerful than a union that is looking to just preserve their own well being

 

 

That's not true. In United Teachers of Dade, there are a few teachers on leave. Those positions are teachers who are released by the District to work on other projects. The Union has 'bought' their days and they are essentially teachers working for other entities. Yes, there are Union members working for the Unions.

 

nc42dad- that's horrible!! Why won't your Union do anything to help you? Are you being surplussed or straight out laid off? Isn't there a pecking order? First one hired, first one laid off? Will they pay you while you're being laid off? Where is your status in your county?

keep buying into it

 

did you know that from a risk analysis we consider union employees less likely to sue - not because they have better benefits, but since everything is collectively bargained their main source of recourse is through the union

 

also - unions are a riskier class and as a neat twist, none of the employees of the union actually are in a union

in todays society a couple motivated employees who ask tough questions on their own behalf and get the thought of litigation into a corporation are a lot more powerful than a union that is looking to just preserve their own well being

 

 

That's not true. In United Teachers of Dade, there are a few teachers on leave. Those positions are teachers who are released by the District to work on other projects. The Union has 'bought' their days and they are essentially teachers working for other entities. Yes, there are Union members working for the Unions.

 

nc42dad- that's horrible!! Why won't your Union do anything to help you? Are you being surplussed or straight out laid off? Isn't there a pecking order? First one hired, first one laid off? Will they pay you while you're being laid off? Where is your status in your county?

 

You ask me why my Union won't help, I have no answer. Last spring they told me it "wasn't their issue." Other than my first year teaching I have had nothing but EXCELLENT evaluations. I am not surplused.... Basically because the District failed to check whether IL considered me to be Highly Qualified (NCLB) back in 2005, I am being the scape goat for their failure to do their job. I will more than likely be replaced with a younger/cheaper version. Not gonna get paid a dime. Lose many retirement dollars in the process.

 

Thanks for asking. Probably get another job (not teaching) until my kid graduates next year & then move out of State. I know I am good as gold in AZ (home state).

 

Thank you Teachers Union. I'd like my $10,000 in back Union dues!

yenta - i write a lot of unions (there is good money in them compared to other non-profits) and I can ensure you that a solid 99% of them do not claim any union employees on their applications - if they did it would be cheaper for them

 

i think people underestimate how much pull and power they have if they choose to negotiate on their own behalf and learn the regulatory environment that their industry must comply with

 

you could have recourse againts both your district (failure to employ/promote) and your union (professional liability / breach of duty) - i would definitely consult a private attorney outside of your union - just get all your facts together, did you even work with the district to determine your status? - did they ever raise concern over your status? - did you retain copies of your evaluations? - did the district post when and where you could take the highly qualified tests?

 

there are also tons of jobs out here in AZ - still have to pass the tests if you teach at middle school or above - but the districts will reimburse you if you pass on your first attempt

yenta - i write a lot of unions (there is good money in them compared to other non-profits) and I can ensure you that a solid 99% of them do not claim any union employees on their applications - if they did it would be cheaper for them

 

i think people underestimate how much pull and power they have if they choose to negotiate on their own behalf and learn the regulatory environment that their industry must comply with

 

you could have recourse againts both your district (failure to employ/promote) and your union (professional liability / breach of duty) - i would definitely consult a private attorney outside of your union - just get all your facts together, did you even work with the district to determine your status? - did they ever raise concern over your status? - did you retain copies of your evaluations? - did the district post when and where you could take the highly qualified tests?

 

there are also tons of jobs out here in AZ - still have to pass the tests if you teach at middle school or above - but the districts will reimburse you if you pass on your first attempt

 

PhxPhin-

 

Thanks. Will try and work on finding someone again. No one seems to understand educational law & they refer me around in circles. I have copies of everything. Apparently, the District was supposed to check the highly qualified status in '05 of all its employees & then give them two years to fix any problems. They didn't.

 

I have a valid secondary cert. for AZ, highly qualified and everything. My problem is losing lots of retirement $$$'s here in IL.

 

IL is a very difficult State. AZ was much more helpful. Thanks again.

I was hired a little over a month ago at a charter school in Broward County, and I'm considering joining a teacher's union, but I'm not quite sure whether it really is a good idea or not. I was hoping some of you would have some feedback for me, and could possibly give me some pros and cons of being a part of a union?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I'd talk to faculty at the school and see what's up. In NY we only have two schools: Union and Union Free. You don't have an option here.