just glad you didn't lose any of your tattoos!
Posted on 10/30/2009 6:10:41 PM PDT by ontap
Not to get into a long, drawn out story, but something has certainly surprised me recently.
To begin with I am a public school teacher and those of you who know me on Free Republic know I am anti-union to the core. In all my years of teaching in Texas, a Right-to-Work state, I did not have to belong to the NEA (National Education Association) and did not. Yet for the past five years or so I was a member of the ATPE (Association of Texas Professional Educators) a non-union professional alternative to the NEA.
Recently I was assaulted by a student and severely injured. In going through the medical process of surgery, recovery and rehabilitation I paid my dues to the ATPE.
One day recently I was contacted by a representative of the NEA and they inquired about how I was doing? They showed real concern about me. In our conversation they mentioned a Texas state program where I would be able to take up to 2 years if necessary of paid leave to recover completely.
Now, as much as I have condemned unions in all and any forms over the years, I was really surprised that someone from the ‘dark side’ actually took time to be kind and caring about my perdictment even with me not being a union member.
Afterward I decided to get more information about this program and called up ATPE. I did not expect them to represent me as this was a state program that did not need such. I expected to get just information about the particulars.
I was told flatly that since I had paid my dues after the date of the assault, they could not render any assistance at all! Not even information of a general nature. I asked to speak to that person’s supervisor and they confirmed this flat rejection of giving me any information at all. I went as far up the food chain as I could and all said the same: we ain’t saying nothing, so good bye and don’t let the door hit you in the fanny as you leave.
After all the ranting and raving I have done over unions and their evils for all these many years, I must say I am amazed at this turn of events. The union I am not a member of was nicer than the professional association I was a member of—
I feel like Winston Churchill speaking to Parliament on the Nazi Invasion of the Soviet Union when he said, “If Hitler invaded Hell he would at least make a favourable reference to the Devil!”
So consider this a favorable reference to the NEA, devil union I still feel it is.
Comment? I am sure there are going to be some lulus—
So, fire away!
So, fire away!
FYI
I hate the NEA too. However, that other group — how rude! It is as if — gasp, they didn’t really want to represent you. Hmmm. Aren’t NEA members able to make sure their dues/ contributions do not go to the Dems? I thot I saw this go through the courts a while ago.
just glad you didn't lose any of your tattoos!
did the student face assault charges?
Which one of these two are the devil....union did not mention me joining.
when are people going to wise up...unions are about money and power ....thats all
Let me get this straight.....the ATPE will not help members if they are able to continue paying dues after being injured and off the job for an extended period of time?
Most likely, that's why you got the cold shoulder from them. I would just remain an ATPE member if it's not too expensive and maybe you'll need their help another day.
I’m confused. Are you saying that you were late paying your dues,or that your dues weren’t due until after you were assaulted? If the former, I’m sure that the NEA would have done the same thing. Also, the NEA was hoping to gain a new member, so I wouldn’t take that to mean that THEY would have helped you out with expenses if you were late paying your dues. More info, please.
Oh, and I am sorry to hear about your terrible experience in being injured.
He’s in jail....charged with assault on a public servant!
That is the way I read it, too. The NEA is campaigning, the ATPE has been elected.
My wife is an ATPE member and she just described them to me as basically a service organization you can buy insurance against lawsuits but that’s about it. Mostly, ATPE holds teacher training summits, they aren’t in the business of representing or protecting teachers. The insurance you can buy is just reselling a standard program.
Its kind of like the NRA more than a union. They give you some benefits, they do resell some insurance, but they aren’t in the business of representing you.
**the devil....union did not mention me joining.**
YET!
they’ve planted the seed now they’ll water it once or twice... and wait.
Are you saying that you paid your dues late (because you were injured), so they won’t help you?
Did not expect either one do represent me....just wanted to know about program to aid teachers who are assaulted. I just want to give credit where credit is due. The union guy called to express concern and told me about the program and ATPE went out of there way to not be of any assistance.
True!
See post #18
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