As a teacher, discussing controversial topics with legislators can feel daunting and requires me to have all my ducks in a row. This was my approach when I served as a policy ambassador for the Utah Education Association. I am grateful to my legislator for the opportunity to speak with my own legislature, Rep. Brady Brammer, R-Pleasant Grove, regarding H.B. 285 Public Sector Labor Organizations Amendments and other topics related to education. Rep. Brammer and I may not have seen eye to eye on various topics we covered. Nonetheless, I believe I effectively shared my professional insights and opinions with him as an educator.
"Union Busting" emerges as a prominent focus in this legislation. Here are some key points we discussed on the importance of providing more support for unions in Utah, not just for teachers but also for other professionals facing challenges. Here are a few key points on why H.B. 285 Public Sector Labor Organizations is dangerous:
- Most teachers prefer monthly payments as it helps with budgeting, eliminating the need to set money aside for quarterly or annual payments.
- Payroll deduction streamlines the process for teachers to pay their monthly dues effortlessly, automating the task and reducing the need for manual payments.
- While automated payments through VISA are convenient, they incur costs for the union due to transaction fees. It could be more cost-effective for the school district to make a monthly lump sum payment to the union rather than deal with individual transaction fees from VISA.
- Teachers have various deductions from their salaries monthly, so legislators opposing this particular deduction should clarify their reasons for targeting it specifically. This inconsistency raises questions about their true motives.
- Opponents of salary deductions should honestly acknowledge their anti-union stance, as their arguments against these deductions are often a disguise for their reluctance to support the union financially. However, these deductions are voluntary, reflecting the teachers' choice to support the union.
Why do teachers join unions?
Educators become union members to receive personalized assistance on employment issues, tapping into the union's knowledge and understanding of legislative frameworks to aid teachers in addressing common obstacles. It fosters a collaborative environment supporting teachers and public education.
Those against teacher unions and dues deductions may include:
- Ideological adversaries of organized labor aim to weaken workers' rights.
- Critics of public education seek to limit union dissent and redirect public education funds to private institutions, potentially violating constitutional principles.
- Individuals view teachers and unions as barriers to controlling public discourse on various societal issues through influencing school boards and legislatures.
While Utah may not have a reputation as a pro-union state, there is a historical background in this regard. We need to have a voice and empower educators to negotiate fair compensation and benefits such as healthcare, pensions, paid leave, and better working and learning environments. This will not be the last time I will meet with my legislator until next year.
