Is UPEA really that effective in the Legislature and local government jurisdictions?
Yes. UPEA has been directly or indirectly responsible for securing every benefit for state and higher education personnel since it was founded in 1959. City and County employees represented by UPEA have received significantly higher salary and benefit increases than non-affiliated jurisdictions. Prior to the organization of UPEA, there was no state retirement system, no employer paid life insurance, no health or dental benefits, no merit system and workers often had to remain in the “good graces” of the political party in power to retain their jobs.
