[HockeyMom72]

I recall somebody on this board saying since Florida is a "Right" to Work State, there are no unions. I believe the thread was about Publix employees.

I just found out that the food service workers, custodians, bus drivers, maintenance, etc., at my local school district are part of a local teamsters union.

Long story, but I am thinking about applying for a job in the cafeteria since I cannot seem to get a job as a TA (with degree and experience). Yes, I applied before I moved. Yes, I interviewed at a job fair and was offered contigency employment. But it does reach a point where enough is enough.

It certainly is better than working at a Publix or Walmart. It certainly pays more and gives benefits.

Nice to hear there ARE unions here. It's unfortunate that the TEACHERS don't have one though.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by HockeyMom72

I recall somebody on this board saying since Florida is a "Right" to Work State, there are no unions. I believe the thread was about Publix employees.

I just found out that the food service workers, custodians, bus drivers, maintenance, etc., at my local school district are part of a local teamsters union.

Long story, but I am thinking about applying for a job in the cafeteria since I cannot seem to get a job as a TA (with degree and experience). Yes, I applied before I moved. Yes, I interviewed at a job fair and was offered contigency employment. But it does reach a point where enough is enough.

It certainly is better than working at a Publix or Walmart. It certainly pays more and gives benefits.

Nice to hear there ARE unions here. It's unfortunate that the TEACHERS don't have one though.

Of course there are unions. I haven't worked in years but I am still a member of the operating engineers union.

[Songbird42]

Ha, another operating engineer......way to go.....my dad was in NY Local 15A
with 50 yrs of service.

BTW, I'm female and can run a bulldozer/crane, just like my dad.

[macguy]

Originally Posted by Songbird42

Ha, another operating engineer......way to go.....my dad was in NY Local 15A
with 50 yrs of service.

BTW, I'm female and can run a bulldozer/crane, just like my dad.

I was a member of 675 in Broward and ran a crane. I haven't sat in a crane in 35 years though. I could run some other stuff as well. I was a member when, I believe it was Time magazine called local 675 the most violent union in America. Quite a few murders took place.

[faithfulFrank]

Wow, teachers don't have a union down in Florida?
Here in NY, almost all teachers are part of the NEA.....a very powerful union.

I thought our union, (Local 892). IAFF.
International Association of Fire Fighters, was strong, but that teachers union makes us look like wusses.

When you see many of the things our city has tried, (and sometimes) gotten away with, I thank God we do have a union.

Frank D.

[SouthernBelle3]

I'm not sure unions are much good here except at maybe a few high tech companies. Case in point. Google "labor unions in Florida" then google "labor unions in New York" the first search gives you a list of Credit unions.
I have not known anyone to benefit much from unions in service type jobs in Florida. I myself am not eligible to belong to a union as a salaried professional. All I know unions to do is to help negioiate raises, which isn't any better than what the non-union employees get. I am sure there are unions in Florida for teachers. My mother is a retired teacher and belonged to one when she taught in Volusia County. Really, she said it was totally useless and a waste of her dues. Don't get your hopes up.

[HIF]

There is a teachers union here- FEA, I think. At one time there were two- CTA and FEA.

But I believe that right to work means that all employees do not need to belong to the union. There is a vote to get the union in, but then all do not need to actually pay dues to join the union once it is in place. No one can be made to join a union as a condition of employment.

That's part of the problem with lower wages & benefits, as well as worker rights.

Southernbelles- nursing home workers in union shops have benefitted, but as long as all must not join, unions are quite week.

[121804]

Hockeymom- Are you able to wait until January? The reason I say this & as you probably know, there could be some turnover. Even though contractual agreements are hard to get out of, there are such things as maternity leave, medical leave, or just being plain fired.

Have you looked into any private schools? Sounds like you are probably too qualified

When we first moved here I considered going back to teach this school year in order to stay sane until we move & thought at least at day care my child will see other children unlike the community we live in. Was floored when I say the actual LACK of teaching jobs in SW FL. Not so sure about Collier, but Lee & Charlotte were on freezes until just recently. Have never lived anywhere were there wassn't a need for teachers. But, then again, now that we live here, I can see why....

At least with the cafeteria position, you get holidays off & not stuck working nights.

[tallrick]

Of course there is a teacher's union, anyone remember Pat Tornillo and his misappropriation of funds. United teacher's of Dade. Unfortunately, they were useless when my mother who was a Dade County teacher, needed help. I am against forced union membership, it just drives employers out of the country. A far better way is the "right to work" policy of Florida. Union membership should always be voluntary. Competing unions should be encouraged.

[HIF]

Originally Posted by tallrick

Of course there is a teacher's union, anyone remember Pat Tornillo and his misappropriation of funds. United teacher's of Dade. Unfortunately, they were useless when my mother who was a Dade County teacher, needed help. I am against forced union membership, it just drives employers out of the country. A far better way is the "right to work" policy of Florida. Union membership should always be voluntary. Competing unions should be encouraged.

Uh, yeah, right.