My annual raises are only slightly more than inflation I cant imagine ever being able to buy a home or send my kids to college. How am I supposed to get ahead in this system?
It is very difficult, with the Boston area cost of living. However, according to a recently-conducted survey of union members nearly 40% of HUCTW members own their homes, and most of our kids go to college. There are several important factors combining in the success stories of many of our co-workers. To be sure, our Union needs to negotiate strong salary increases and to maintain a good process offering opportunities for reclassifications and promotions. We also must continue to develop creative benefit programs and assist members at their most challenging financial times with the costs of child care, housing transitions, elder care, and health problems. But just as important is the need for individual staff members to be life-long learners, building new skills continuously and attaining higher levels of education. Among our co-workers, those who have achieved the greatest financial security are those who have added educational credentials or significant new skills, leading to opportu
