The Red Queen is Off Her Head

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MSEA is holding a convention at the end of October. The rumor is that SEIU has troops in Maine. Is it to pat us on the back, support us, or is it due to the resolution that MSEA disaffiliate from SEIU. Some members feel that we will be asked to believe asked to believe the following: 

For a link to all MSEA resolutions to be voted on  follow this link, RESOLUTIONS.

SEIU has been a tremendous help to MSEA and adds to our successes. Let us look at the recent past.SEIU provided for California, they have provided millions of dollars in advertising to support State Employees. 

They have provided a voice in Congress to stand up for California State Employees. SEIU has fought in every way for California State Employees.

Is this what SEIU can do for Maine or is there another reason?

Why have they put so much effort gone into what has been the crown jewel of SEIU?.

Last year they ran a battle with tens of thousands of employees voting to leave SEIU and join another Union and all of a sudden the money, the staff, and more money poured into California. SEIU is estimated to have spent at least ten million dollars fighting attempted decertification efforts from tens of thousands of members.

It seems as if SEIU has won that battle......for now. What did the battle cost other than money? SEIU had to publicly reject card check to defeat the upstart NUHW. NUHW wanted to use card check to validate their decertification efforts and SEIU said card check was not a valid way to vote, probably sealing the fate of the EFCA card check provision.

Why can't SEIU provide for its membership what they have been providing in the West? More dues $ means more influence and what SEIU offers other states as a matter of common policy, seems too much to offer to Maine.

We took a hit this year in our health care, our longevity, and our pay. Remember Andy Stern says the day of employer paid health care is a dying. Why whould he fight for a benefit he thinks shoud be administered and provided by the Union?

On the other hand, we’re told MSEA with SEIU can achieve what no other major Union in New England has done in years,  win a contract with fair raises and a return of benefits. MSEA joined SEIU for several reasons and many of those reasons are still valid. National presence, experience, being part of something that can reach beyond State Employees to the rest of Maine.

Make no mistake, a break up from SEIU will be painful , messy, and expensive. Don't expect to see any benefit from that 1.8 million dollars for years to come. SEIU does have the will and money to make life hell for ex members. 

So do we believe that staying with SEIU is the way to go? Have they been tremendous force for good, or are they concerned that this could foul up the possible marriage of SEA and SEIU?

Alice and the Red Queen, in Through The Looking Glass:

"I can’t believe that!" said Alice.

"Can’t you?" the queen said in a pitying tone. "Try again, draw a long breath, and shut your eyes."

Alice laughed. "There’s no use trying," she said. "One can’t believe impossible things."

"I dare say you haven’t had much practice," said the queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

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