Sticking your neck out is dangerous, even if you have a strong union. But, if you have a weak union it is very dangerous. I have learned this lesson the hard way. I expected my union, the CSU Division of the California State Employees Association (CSEA), a union I have fought for and been an activist in for years, to be there for me after I filed three grievances and wrote an editorial for our union newsletter.
In my opinion they have not been and they have let my case languish for years.
Of course if we had had no union I would not have opened my mouth. I would of kept my mouth shut and played the political game. That is why, in my opinion, a weak union is so dangerous. It makes you think you are safe and protected and free to fight for rights and fairness, but you are not, you are hanging out there, exposed and unprotected. In my opinion, my career will always be affected by my unwise decision to stand up for what I felt was right. In my opinion, my career will always be adversely affected by my unwise decision to engage in what I still believe was legally protected union activity.
1 comment:
This is months later. All is well (for me at least in this case) that ends well. I now have a new job that I love in a different part of campus. I have no idea who really to thank for that. I can't say it was the union, I can't say it wasn't. It may have just been luck?
I am just glad to be where I am and I am trying to fly under the radar more.
~Steve
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