Interesting question. Let's delve into its meanings, both overt and hidden. What exactly is a union member? The obvious answer is someone who pays dues. The less obvious is someone who is represented and has a voice. Are you a union member? Am I? As one of 1800 ATRs, with no chapter and one representative, I certainly don't feel like one. We have been given an abject and subordinate role - solidified and legitimized by the last contract.
What is unconditional loyalty? For most that would mean showing fidelity, unity, and solidarity. For our union it is silencing the calls for fairness and democracy. It is taking oaths of loyality. It is voting as a drone, not as a representative.
It is allowing yourself to be purposely led astray, despite your mind and very being screaming, STOP! UFT: "Don't be silly, be good sheep and follow.".
What does a time of crisis mean? I would say its when there is a threat of irreparable damage. Does Cuomo represent a crisis? He would like to think so. He wants to be noticed and he wants a fight. Does he have the power to do what he wants? In my humble opinion, he does not. Am I forgetting Silver? No. That sword cuts both ways and its still swinging. Does the UFT feel threatened? I don't think so. You don't respond to a threat with a "tweet". It does however feel threatened by its dissenting members. The rallying cry for (and from) unity is a ploy.
This really is an interesting concept and question to think about. Something that is really interesting is that there are so many different things that can factor into whether someone who is in a union goes along with that union in dire times. That can really take effect in the union itself. Thank you for sharing. http://www.cope378.ca/about/how-cope-378-helps-you
ReplyDeleteI just checked out cope 378, very nice. I think it may be time to move to Canada!
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