In the last week, union members at Albany schools received emails looking like they were from NYSUT. The logo was similar and addressed looked correct.
It was not from NYSUT. Groups that are trying to break our union are phishing for information to contact us. They plan to use $10 million this summer to contact us and 'convince' us that we don't need our union.
Let them know when they come knocking, emailing, calling and mailing that you are smarter than what they think. You know that the record of what has happened in "Right to Work" states has shown that the comparison of union dues to what is gained through collective bargaining does not compare. Having a strong union, a united voice keeps our message and benefits stronger.
For example, SABEA members have one of the lowest percentage of health insurance contribution rates:
- for next year, someone who elects to have family coverage in alt PPO and earns under $30,000 will pay 10% or $2474 for the year. In our neighboring districts, they pay up to 25% or $6185/year. I think that alone makes me want to stick with the union. (The difference is about 4 times our full union dues- well worth it)
- sick days and personal business days? Many people have none (ask people at some of mills like Irving) They could go away too.
Stand with your union--- we are only as strong as we are united. Each of us needs to make sure we don't fall below the percentage of members we need to continue to be the collective voice. Each of us is needed to be strong.
If you look at the many, many great items in our contract, we need each and every person working in any of our 40 plus titles to be a member, supporting in action and with membership continuing to protect each other, making our working conditions safe and moving forward together.