DISTRICT 131 EAST AURORA COUNCIL
ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, LOCAL 604
The reps keep talking about how much the union does, but I don't see it. What exactly do you guys do, anyway?
Many people wonder what the union actually does--some aren't even sure what a union is. Much of what we do within the building is not talked about, simply because we deal with many confidential issues: teachers who have a grievance, teachers who have been unfairly evaluated or reprimanded, and teachers and departments who need support dealing with administration all require confidentiality--our goal is to resolve these issues quickly so that no one else has to know about them beyond those people directly involved. However, the union provides many other vital services to its members. Below is a little information from the IFT website:
WHAT'S A UNION?
Simply put, a union is a group of workers who come together to
advance their common interests with collective power. A union is
not an outside organization or a third party; it is a democratic
organization run by its members who make decisions and set
direction on their own behalf.
Over many years, the collective action of union members has had
a substantial impact on wages, benefits, equality, and workplace
protections. In fact, unions have played a pivotal role in securing
important gains that benefit everyone, though we may take them
for granted.
So whether or not you’re a member, unions have played an
instrumental role in fighting on your behalf! Strong unions mean
strong communities because unions help all workers, not just their
members, earn higher wages. For example, an average worker
in a “right-to-work” state makes about $6,000 less per year
than he or she would in a free bargaining state.
As the inequality gap between the very rich and very poor widens,
unions today have become more important than ever for middle-
class families. And by promoting equal pay for equal work, unions
help reduce inequalities and close the wage gaps faced by women
and people of color.
Unions also help protect members’ rights and voice in the workplace,
as well as the ability to advocate for those they serve.
The IFT provides members with:
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A powerful voice on the job Union workers have the right to negotiate with their employer over things like wages, benefits, and working conditions. Together, you have more power as a united group than you would as individuals, whether at the bargaining table or a public forum. Union members use their powerful voice to advocate for important issues like smaller class sizes, academic freedom, safe schools and workplaces, and other matters that have a positive impact on education, public services, and our communities.
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Strength in numbers Beyond your local union, you have the backing of 100,000 members in 200+ locals across Illinois through the IFT, 1.5 million members of the American Federation of Teachers, and more than 10 million members of the AFL-CIO nationally. As one of the largest labor unions in Illinois, IFT has strength in numbers and a history of affecting positive change from the workplace to the Capitol.
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Collective bargaining rights The union helps working people negotiate and secure fair contracts with their employers. IFT has helped thousands of members secure economic gains and other improvements for themselves and those they serve.
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Protection & support The IFT is an experienced partner at the bargaining table and works with members to win both economic gains and other improvements for our locals. But the union does more than help to bargain the agreement. We also help ensure that the terms of that contract are enforced. The union provides support to help protect you against employer discrimination, questionable behavior, unfair labor practices, and more. If your employer does violate the contract, the IFT provides assistance to resolve the problem if needed.
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Professional resources IFT provides professional development training to enhance members’ workplace and leadership skills. Through the union’s popular Union Leadership Institute program and other opportunities, IFT members have access to hands-on training at convenient locations around the state on topics ranging from community and political engagement to collective bargaining.
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Lobbying and political action IFT empowers you to make your voice heard by legislators on key issues that impact members, education, and public services. Our experienced team tracks legislation, keeps you informed, and arms you with the resources you need to influence public policy.
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Consumer benefits IFT and AFT offer members savings on a wide range of consumer benefits and services, as well as scholarship programs to help members, their children, and their students pursue higher education and career advancement opportunities.
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Communications IFT keeps members informed and engaged through ift-aft.org, social media, email alerts, and our quarterly newsletter. Our team also works closely with the media to ensure our members’ perspective is included in news coverage and provides customized training for locals and councils on a variety of tactics.
For more information about how teachers unions work to make things better within schools and districts, check out this article:
