Why I Stand with Unity!
"Unity serves as the foundation that empowers union members like me to create platforms that connect and strengthen our union communities." Sheryl Pender Chapter Leader for School Secretaries
I am proud to be a Unity Caucus member. Unity serves as the foundation that empowers union members like me to create platforms that connect and strengthen our union communities. Secretaries are not only the heart and soul of their school communities, but also the vital voices of the communities they serve.
As a Unity member, I have the privilege to travel to various cities and states, gaining invaluable support, training, and workshops alongside fellow Unity members. Unity provides me with resources, a wealth of knowledge, and the collective power of our union, enabling me to bring back valuable information and insights to the Secretary Chapter. Together, we unite, grow, and strengthen our solidarity. Through Unity, my leadership skills have flourished, improving day by day.
Because of the Unity caucus, the Secretary Chapter has achieved a number of milestones including:
Tuition reimbursement
55 minutes of weekly remote time
Protection from retaliation by administration
Mandated training sessions provided by the DOE
Salary increases
Designated spaces within school buildings for professional development activities
Additionally, through our monthly DOE consultations, we have effectively resolved peak load and tenure-related issues without needing to file grievances.
Looking ahead, the Secretary Chapter is poised to be a driving force in the union’s contract negotiations. We will leverage the tools and resources provided by our Unity colleagues to advocate for fair and impactful outcomes. With strength in numbers and the unwavering solidarity of our incredible secretaries, we will continue to stand united and persist until we achieve what we rightfully deserve.