QUESTION #1: as a Nevada governmental
employee, do you want better working conditions, higher wages; secure
longevity, fulfilled retirement promises? How about a safer work
environment, one free from harassment? Most of all, do you want your
voice to be heard?
If this sounds like a flimsy politician’s platform, it should be. The
obvious answer to this question is YES!!! For a moment, consider
the following phrase: “Paying your dues….”
In life, this phrase is often used to relate a learning time, or gaining
experience through the School of Hard Knocks. Simply, “paying your dues”
is the part of an exercise that matures us into a wiser, more seasoned
individual. One who becomes more capable and available to lend guidance
support and confirmation to issues, especially those issues of
importance. Certainly, we are more inclined to accept advice from
someone who has been “around the block a time or two” rather than a
rookie making his or her first decision. Being new to a particular
environment is not a bad thing; indeed, everyone starts “somewhere” be
it a first time parent, or speaking in public for the first time. As
individuals, as well as a collective body, we tend to rely on those who
have gone this way before, as they will be (hopefully) less inclined to
repeat mistakes.
Should you survive poor choices, you go forth, ideally applying all you
have learned through first-hand experience. After all, you are the one
“paying your dues” for the knowledge and experience gained. For OUR
exercise, “Paying your Dues” has a similar understanding. Without dues
paying members, our union cannot survive, much less progress in the
direction we insist it must. Do non-members enjoy benefits won by
the hard –working dues-paying union members? To some degree, yes; there
are benefits that apply to members as well as non-members. Everyone of
the Superbowl team roster receives the championship ring; yet only a few
taste the true victory, knowing their contribution to the team effort
made a difference. Can you afford the structured amount of 1% of
your salary to support YOUR causes, YOUR workplace issues,
and YOUR livelihood? A penny from each dollar. ONE PENNY.
How can you NOT afford union dues?
Union members before you paid your way for a safe workplace, with
benefits. This did not happen by mistake. It was attractive enough of a
package for you to accept the offer of employment extended to you. Enjoy
your job, as it was hard fought by those willing to involve them to
whatever degree necessary to secure what YOU have.
Russ Alfano, Vice-President of AFSCME Local 4041
Russ@nvafscme.org
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