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This afternoon, @CTULocal1 members are reviewing a proposed framework on in-person teaching. We offer our solidarity, whatever collective decision they make.
SSWU was founded on the belief that social service workers are WORKERS. This seems like a good day to discuss why.
SSWU was founded on the belief that social service workers are WORKERS. This seems like a good day to discuss why.
SSWU's points of unity argue that workers' rights are parallel, not in contrast, to better providing for the clients and communities we serve.
When we don’t have a voice in their workplace, we don’t have the ability to affect agency policies that are inflicted upon the public.
When we don’t have a voice in their workplace, we don’t have the ability to affect agency policies that are inflicted upon the public.
We're often told that "No one gets into this work for the money."
But that's often used to justify sub-living wages. And so we find side gigs (and get exhausted), or look for other jobs.
It's a recipe for burnout and turnover--wrapped up in a cloak of "professionalism."
But that's often used to justify sub-living wages. And so we find side gigs (and get exhausted), or look for other jobs.
It's a recipe for burnout and turnover--wrapped up in a cloak of "professionalism."
We've talked before about professionalism, and our points of unity hit on it as well.
The key point here is that it treats social workers as individual actors: divided from clients, and isolated from one another.
And that undermines collective action. https://twitter.com/SSWUChicago/status/1308493932117086209
The key point here is that it treats social workers as individual actors: divided from clients, and isolated from one another.
And that undermines collective action. https://twitter.com/SSWUChicago/status/1308493932117086209
But we believe that collective action offers a path to make lasting change.
As isolated individuals, our power is limited. Bosses can hear us out, nod, and do nothing--or punish "troublemakers."
But they depend on our work. And that's a source of power when we act together.
As isolated individuals, our power is limited. Bosses can hear us out, nod, and do nothing--or punish "troublemakers."
But they depend on our work. And that's a source of power when we act together.
And @CTULocal1 is a shining example.
The mayor and school CEO insisted on a return to in-person classes. They even began with pre-K and cluster classes for a few weeks in January--which saw 50+ covid cases.
Then CTU members voted to work remotely, despite the mayor's orders.
The mayor and school CEO insisted on a return to in-person classes. They even began with pre-K and cluster classes for a few weeks in January--which saw 50+ covid cases.
Then CTU members voted to work remotely, despite the mayor's orders.
For the city's plan to work, CTU members had to comply. When they insisted on safety instead, and dictated their working conditions, the city couldn't go forward.
The mayor attacked CTU. CPS threatened a lockout.
But they also moved toward safer workplaces with each new offer.
The mayor attacked CTU. CPS threatened a lockout.
But they also moved toward safer workplaces with each new offer.
Now CTU members are reviewing a new proposal. The decision on it is up to them.
Whatever they do, this is a lesson in the power of collective labor action. Our power as workers--at schools, agencies, or elsewhere--is among the greatest strengths we have. https://twitter.com/CTULocal1/status/1358485825751838720
Whatever they do, this is a lesson in the power of collective labor action. Our power as workers--at schools, agencies, or elsewhere--is among the greatest strengths we have. https://twitter.com/CTULocal1/status/1358485825751838720
