What it means to be a union member. Why it is important to stand together.

Being a member of this union simply means that I am not alone in the fight to help our children obtain the education to which they are entitled.
Evelyn Foreman, Detroit Federation of Teachers, MI

I believe that in unity there is strength, and that unions are our only hope for getting fair treatment from our employers. "Fair" means that everyone is treated the same way and offered the same access to opportunities and privileges. As an adjunct faculty member at a community college, I thank my union for gaining assisgnment privileges for employees who have taught a certain number of classes, and also obtaining inexpensive group health benefits for all part-time faculty. My union also keeps me current about ongoing college concerns and educates me about the pros and cons of issues that come up both at the college and in the community that affect me as a teacher and a community member.
Sara Packer, Portland Community College, OR

It means being a part of a united community of healthcare professionals. We must stand together in order to keep our union strong and moving in the right direction. Full membership voting power is also key, especially in times of negotiations.
Alicia Ashley,University of Medicine and DentistryProfessionals, NJ

Being a union member means that I stand together with colleagues in order to protect ourselves against unfair labor practices. We stand together to benefit the young people we are teaching. We stand together so that our voices can be heard as we advocate for our students and ourselves because we are in the classroom and understand the needs of both our students and ourselves in a learning environment.
Maryann Navarro, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, PA

Union membership is the single most important benefit I feel I enjoy as an American citizen. As an African-American woman, I feel the opportunities and protections I receive as a result of being a union member are the only true forms of justice and equality I can participate in and enjoy fully and freely. It is critical that we stand together, sisters and brothers, united for a common cause, for now and the future because we know what needs to be done, because we are the ones doing the actual work, because we are labor in this country, and we know better than anyone what our needs are.
Deborah Hall, Portland Community College Federation of Classified Employees, OR

My dad was a union member until the day he died. As a child, I really didn't know what a union did for Americans. Now, as a member of AFT for 19 years, I realize how much a union does for us. As an executive board member of AFT 4574, I see all it takes to keep our jobs safe, to get raises for everyone and to ensure fair treatment from supervisors. I hope someday everyone will realize that without unions, we would still be working long hours, without compensation, and for a small amount of pay. Power is in numbers. Without a large membership, who will listen to us? Standing together is the only way to remain strong and to be heard.
Terry Goforth, Oklahoma City Federation of Classified Employees, OK

United we stand! We as educators must stand together as a cohesive unit in order to be successful in the classroom. More importantly, we stand up for the good of the students we teach.
Louise Foreman, PEG-TX, TX

I have been a union member most of my working life. I have been able to work to my ability knowing that I had someone who would stand up for me, the union. I have had some instances where union professionals were called in to represent me in confrontations concerning workers rights. We must always remember that there is strength in a group. We must remain united, committed and strong in numbers.
Richard Isinghood, Polk Education Association(Retired), FL

Being a member of this union means that there are many voices to speak out on the wrongs that workers face every day.
Celestine Smith, City Union of Baltimore, MD

Being a member of our union guarantees security for the safety of my patients, for my safety, my profession as an R.N. and my future!The only way is to stand together, participate, and activate! Keep our union strong!
Renee Setteducato, Federation of Nurses/UFT, NY

Membership in this union means there are more than a million voices standing behind any member in times of trouble. It's knowing that whatever kind of help is needed I will always have a family that will lift me up!
Linda Ray, Oregon School employees Association, OR