Won’t we need the strength of a large union during negotiations?
We have had two strikes against County of Marin’s management. In 1977 MAPE was not affiliated with a large union. In1998 we were SEIU Local 949. Although times and management were different, neither time did we get support outside the county. Members can remember the Teamsters and Golden Gate Transit drivers respecting our picket lines 11 years ago. No one remembers anyone from SEIU outside of Marin being there. Size alone does not guarantee union effectiveness or greater responsiveness to the membership. A bargaining unit run by and for its own members, relying on their professional dedication, creativity, and ideas, can move mountains.
