A coworker of mine at the Teamsters Union who is also on the School Bus and Transit Worker Campaign wrote an excellent piece to the workers the other day. His story/letter appeared on our campaign site bulletin board.
The more that I read his story the more I realized that what he wrote can be universally applied; meaning it is great stuff for any worker, not just school bus drivers, mechanics, and aides.
I called him this afternoon to see if he would be OK with me cross-posting the story on a few different sites that I take care of at the union, and a few that are outside of work, including Union Review. He gave me his blessings.
Below the fold is my good friend Dean's piece. I hope you enjoy it and that it inspires you.
-Richard
by Dean Phinney
You Don't Need Them as Much as They Need You!!!
As I'm knocking on doors and talking to these wonderful people around their kitchen tables who could be from my hometown it strikes me: The biggest fear some of these people have is that they will lose their jobs for standing up for there rights. And with this I don't just mean legal rights - I mean moral rights!
Don't we all have the right to self destiny - to control ones own life? Don't we all have a right to self worth? To be valued for more than just the small amount of fluids, chemicals and minerals that make up our bodies? Don't we all have to right to be heard and listened to? Whether it be the whimper of a small child that they’re hungry or the roar of the oppressed that they have had enough.
I often listen to workers, hearing them tell me that they need this job and are scared to openly support their campaigns. As I hear this I always tell them that their license to drive the bus or the patience to handle those special kids or the ability to repair that equipment is their skill. No one has given it to them so no one can take it away. You came to this company looking for work and you can leave it the same way. They can't keep these skills or take them away if you leave - there yours and yours alone. THEY DO NOT OWN YOU!!!!!!
Everyone needs to re-train their way of thinking from - "I really need this job the company gives me" to "I am helping to make millions of dollars for this company and they need me!" You need to value yourself as much as those around you do. You are an important part of the company you work for because they can't do what you do on a daily basis. You are the company because you make the company's money so shouldn't you share in the profits?
I had an old high school coach that always told me "Don't sale your self short". This is what I'm telling you! Doesn't the sign at the gate says, 'Hiring Drivers and Aides.' It should say "Always hiring Drivers and Aides." There is a national shortage of bus workers. The old rule of supply and demand goes for your skills also. If there is a high demand shouldn't you get paid better? Shouldn't they want to keep you well by giving you affordable health care? Shouldn't they treat you like what they call you when they are selling their services as "Professionals"?
Don't sell yourselves short - We don't! We think each and every one of you deserves better pay, better working conditions, affordable health care, something other than bills when you retire. The best part is all you have to do is stand with the people that you see everyday and say "We Deserve Better!" We aren't just bus drivers or aides or mechanics - We are Professionals in Student Transportation and deserve the Respect, Dignity, and the Compensation that goes with being Professionals!!!! The ball is in your court and the authorization card is in your hand! Make a difference - support your campaign!