Robyn, an OT and bunny mom, has felt the very real impacts of the coronavirus pandemic – drastic changes in hours, uneven compensation – but her affiliation with a teachers’ union has been an oasis in the storm.
As an Occupational Therapist, I feel strongly that Unions are essential. So many of us have lost our jobs, had our hours cut (or prolonged), been forced to change or split locations, as dictated by our clinics, hospitals, admin, etc. Recent changes in the therapy reimbursement system (cough,cough, PDPM) and then immediately followed by the global pandemic, my opinions on Unions have grown stronger and stronger. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work for a public school and I was able to be part of the teachers’ union. In my personal experience, being part of a union allowed me so many benefits – most importantly peace of mind. Knowing that my job was secure and I had a collective bargaining agreement with clear expectations for working hours, sick and medical leave time, salary schedules, and caseload management were just a few of the benefits allotted to me through the Teachers’ Union.
