Union; was CAUT credential was Let's cut to the chase

[Jeff Tanner]

Hi Tom,
Unions probably wouldn't work, particularly for state schools.  State
employees (in SC, anyway) are not allowed to be members of any union.  It
might be a good thing for helping private techs to be able to get real
group health insurance, though.  That could be incentive enough to
encourage techs to meet some entry level standards, etc.

But CAUT techs don't need a union just to increase salary.  We just need
more techs clamoring for raises rather than taking the approach that "well,
this is what the job pays, I'll just be happy with it.  I could earn more
driving a truck, but I like this better."

Jeff

Tom Servinsky wrote:
>Ahhh, you finally hit on something which other professions associated with
>schools  have, which we, don't have...a union for collective bargaining. 
>This is the one area where unions have been successful at protecting the
>interests of the workers and forced institutions to follow strict
>guidelines.
> If we were a member of a Technicians Union then maybe some of this could
>be implemented into the hiring process.  That being said, it has been my
>understanding that the general population of techs, are not in favor of
>tightly kept regulations, such as entry level standards, ongoing
>education, etc, which comes with this territory.
> Personally, I'm in favor of more regulations as the bigger picture
>provides more stability for our industry.
> However, and painting with a broad brush, the majority of piano
>technicians are far too independent and enjoy their freedom to whatever
>and whenever they please. Everything comes with a cost.
> Tom Servinsky, RPT