this is a reply to: Robert Cone
8/28/09 12:38 pm
Alas, having a union will not solve all, or enough problems that faculty in all situations face. It is, however something like having a hammer when you want to point a nail . It is a tool among many and one of the few that brings many protections that simply do not exist otherwise. Respect is not given or taken, it must be earned. For those who feel that their interests are well protected by the changing administrations at Storrs and in the capitol, and that their views are always taken into account, it is understandable that they will not favor voting for collective bargaining. That has to be respected. Those who want to have an organization that uniquely theirs to be their advocate and in their individual corners when needed, this discussion has another hue.
Ed Marth
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Dear Ed,
ReplyDeleteI would have to disagree with your statements below.
"For those who feel that their interests are well protected by the changing administrations at Storrs and in the capitol, and that their views are always taken into account, it is understandable that they will not favor voting for collective bargaining. That has to be respected. Those who want to have an organization that uniquely theirs to be their advocate and in their individual corners when needed, this discussion has another hue."
If the union is voted, nobody can opt out, it is union for all the faculty.
I see this moment as unique opportunity to get an attempt to change this CT-law.
The interested faculty from UCHC should form and sign a letter (petition) and submit to the congressmen or to the CT assembly to ask for the law modification.
As a person who comes from past socialist country, I can say that even there, if you choose not to be part of the union (as individual) you could be out and not get the union charges (1%) and be out of the union negotiated benefits as well. Your employer and you then have a mutual business relation, as usual.
In these regards I completely agree with the following statements made by Dr. Lefrancois.
"My other issue with unions is that one does not have a choice to join or not- if the vote is passed you cannot opt out- apparently you can but the dues are still extracted. Any organization that forces servitude is not a viable option for me."
Regards
Ivo Kalajzic