Hey Brendan,

While I agree with you whole heartedly that it sucks that the PT workers are not making money they need, neither are the FT workers who have families and mortgages.

A few points....you knew when you started working that you were joining a union; you knew 4 years ago when the last contract became effective that we could be in this situation this year; the unions usually choose to strike at a time when it has an effect - 7 years ago, the strike was in the same time frame and pools were closed.

Are you aware that one of the major issues with this negotiation is PT Wage Harmonization?  Are you even aware that PT wages are STILL according to the pay scale from the former city?  That someone doing the same job as you do in another district is making as much as $3.50 LESS an hour than you are making?  Not to mention in your own district there are 4 different pay scales being used.

SO - there will be a benefit to you and other PT workers in these negotiations.  I don't really believe that anyone wins in a strike situation, it will take us all a VERY long time to be ahead any money, however, this is the reality of being in a union.  If you don't like it, find a job that pays you minimum wage - that is likely all you would get.  You make close to $14 an hour to get a great tan and sit on your butt most of the summer.