Sometimes we hold pockets of anger in ourselves that we don't even realize. That happened to me today. A long time ago a supervisor made a decision to reward some employees with a benefit while not rewarding others. Over time this benefit added up to thousands of dollars. I was angry at this unjust event and tried to work against it to no avail. Those of us that did not reap the benefit had actually saved the system thousands of dollars over time by not taking insurance at our place of employment, but instead taking insurance with our family members' plans. So today as I researched an insurance situation, that injustice came racing back in the way of anger.
Looking back at my career as an educator, there were many injustices layered on educators, particularly elementary educators. It was easy to treat us in unjust ways because we were mainly working around the clock with our professional duties and at-home duties which left us with little time or attention to advocate for justice with regard to our salaries and benefits. We were often cheated by self-serving, me-first leaders who sought to take advantage of us.
I know that we were not alone. I know that employees who are working too much and left without good supports are often cheated in multiple ways by unjust, oppressive leaders. We have to find ways to change this in every corner of the United States. As for me, going forward, I'll simply try to advocate for fair, just work conditions and help those I know make the time to advocate for just pay, treatment and supports going forward. Onward.