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!
ASSAULT LEAVE
Any employee of a school district who is physically assaulted while performing his or her
regular duties is entitled to up to two years paid leave to recuperate from all physical injuries
sustained as a result of the assault.
Days of leave taken for assault leave may not be deducted
from the employee’s accrued personal leave.
However, the employee has the responsibility to request
assault leave. If the request is not made by the employee, it
is unlikely that the district will voluntarily place the employee
on assault leave. The district has the right to investigate the assault
to determine if assault leave is appropriate.
A person is “physically assaulted” if the person causing the
injury could be prosecuted for assault, meaning the
conduct of the person was done intentionally, knowingly
or recklessly. It is still considered an assault even
if the person causing the injury could not be prosecuted
because of age or mental incapacity.
http://www.tsta.org/news/current/09summerAdvocate-web.pdf
I don’t see a lawsuit ATPE is well within their rights. The only crime they committed would be the crime against civility and humanity. They surly knew about the statute and chose to not be of any help to fellow human being.
No bashing from me but I wouldn’t trust the sweetness and light of the NEA for anything. I suspect you know this anyway. Its just too bad that your organization treated you the way they did because that behavior drives people to unions.
Its not the same teachers union but I hope you and others will take a look at this site and pay attention to the video.
You still have not explained that confusing statement about dues being paid.
Thanks!I am currently engaged in applying. By the way you just did what I was asking OF ATPE.
I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, and I’m sorry the Professional Educators treated you poorly.
I think you already know this, but I’ll mention it anyway: Just because someone gives you a piece of valuable information when you need it, doesn’t necessarily make them your friend. And most likely they’ll expect something in return.
Dues were pai8d after the incident.
If that’s true they have not mentioned it and they have been the only ones to offer any advice or help. I’m going to take them for their word until shown differently.
Why are you surprised? The NEA isn’t evil because it helps teachers...it’s evil because they tend to screw over everyone else! Glad they were able to help you, though.
I only want to show the juxtaposition between an entity I have not given a red cent to and one I have belonged to numerous years and had just paid dues to. Again I did not expect them to represent me just to tell me the particulars of a state program.
No! And ATPE did not have to act like a$$holes!
Any one interested can go here and see what ATPE professes to be.http://www.atpe.org/Protection/
There are good things about unions. They don’t allow being by passed over for younger workers if you have senority, they will not allow being fired for stupid reasons and in cases like this would go to the mat for you. :)
I’m also in Texas and I’m very interested in hearing more about this incident.
Can you please refer me to a news source in the state that reported on your assault? If your injuries required surgery, I’m sure it was in the news.......
Good.
Channel four in Dallas reported it. I had surgery on Thursday of this week. Tendons in my wrist and fingers were severed.
This is not going to turn me into a union fan by any means but fair is fair and the truth of the matter is the union person that called me expressed concern about me and was very courteous and ATPE wouldn’t give me the time of day and are the only ones I spoke to since this incident that offered no words of concern or hope you are doing alright. A small thing but significant to me.
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