Strong unions, strong schools

Read this piece by Local 604 New Lenox Professional Support Staff Union President Rachel Tuley:

My name is Rachel. I am an Autistic human with ADHD. I am an advocate for those with disabilities and all marginalized communities. I am an activist. I am an artist. I am a

paraprofessional at a Title One elementary school. I am a mom. A wife. A daughter. I am a person that thrives when helping others.

I am also acting President of New Lenox Professional Support Staff Union.

As someone that has an inherent need to fight for people's rights, helping to start/joining a union was just in the old DNA.

Workers deserve to have a voice in their workplace. Workers deserve accommodations in their workplace. Workers deserve to feel safe in their workplace. Workers deserve fair wages. Workers deserve to have a level playing field and a symbiotic relationship when it comes to their administration and what they need to thrive in their jobs.

Students deserve to see familiar faces at their schools. This gives them a safe space to learn and grow into adults who will eventually be the architects of our world.

Unions help foster the conditions needed for less staff turnover and higher staff retention rates. Who does this ultimately affect positively? Students, employees, administration, parents, and whole communities.

Thus, joining a union, was the only way I could make sure my members and I have a voice in how these rights are to be upheld and fought for. Without a union, our voices are not always heard and our rights are not supported in a way that is so deserved.

I am proud to be a union member so I can ensure all voices in our workplace are heard.

Tell us why you’re proud to be an IFT member. Email info@ift-aft.org.