Teacher/tutor union
http://seattle.craigslist.org/edu/
One notices something interesting when looking at available positions for teachers/tutors.
1) 4/5ths of the positions are part-time
2) The pay for equivalent work ranges from $10-$40/hr
3) The demand for teachers is very high
4) Many of the positions are temporary
It seems the perfect situation for the creation of a trade union of the traditional type. In the popular mind, trade unions today are mostly associated with groups like the UAW or SEIU: groups of workers at a single workplace who are represented in negotiations with management. But trade unions often take another form: an association of self-organized skilled tradesmen (-women). Employers who want workers contact the union, who then passes the work on to members, based on criteria (usually training and seniority.)
When done right, it's a good deal for everyone. Workplaces get workers on-demand, pay a standard rate, and don't have to worry about benefits because those are provided by the union. They also get better-skilled workers, because union members tend to be more experienced, and ideally the union also provides extra training. Workers get a predictable stream of work (the marketplace as a whole has relatively steady demand), benefits, and a predictable wage that is better than they could negotiate on their own.
I don't have enough time before law school to organize this union, but I wanted to put the idea out there. I'll help.
-Daniel
One notices something interesting when looking at available positions for teachers/tutors.
1) 4/5ths of the positions are part-time
2) The pay for equivalent work ranges from $10-$40/hr
3) The demand for teachers is very high
4) Many of the positions are temporary
It seems the perfect situation for the creation of a trade union of the traditional type. In the popular mind, trade unions today are mostly associated with groups like the UAW or SEIU: groups of workers at a single workplace who are represented in negotiations with management. But trade unions often take another form: an association of self-organized skilled tradesmen (-women). Employers who want workers contact the union, who then passes the work on to members, based on criteria (usually training and seniority.)
When done right, it's a good deal for everyone. Workplaces get workers on-demand, pay a standard rate, and don't have to worry about benefits because those are provided by the union. They also get better-skilled workers, because union members tend to be more experienced, and ideally the union also provides extra training. Workers get a predictable stream of work (the marketplace as a whole has relatively steady demand), benefits, and a predictable wage that is better than they could negotiate on their own.
I don't have enough time before law school to organize this union, but I wanted to put the idea out there. I'll help.
-Daniel