‘Tis the season to reflect and be thankful for our blessings. Can you believe it’s the holiday season already? I remember when I was younger; I always wanted to be much older. For instance, I couldn’t wait to be 16, because in Illinois at that age I could get my drivers license and also get a job. My Mom always said not to wish my life away, because the older you get, the faster time goes. My mother was correct in more ways than one. I’m thankful for her wisdom, more so since she is no longer alive.
I’m thankful for the many opportunities that my union has afforded me. While it may seem corny, it’s true. By having a job that paid me a livable wage and guaranteed wage increases, I have been able to buy new cars, electronics, and furniture, live in an apartment in a great area, and travel the world. I also have been able to travel the world because of my guaranteed, paid vacation accrual.
I’m thankful for the medical insurance that I have as the result of being negotiated in a collective bargaining agreement. I am adopted and have no family medical history, so when I have been diagnosed with a potentially serious issue, I am put through the gamut of tests. Without my health insurance, I wouldn’t be able to afford those tests. In addition, I don’t have a lifetime cap on my insurance. These days with the price of medical, health, hospital, and prescription expenses, a serious illness or accident can take a big bite out of say if I had a million dollar lifetime cap. If I do have to be out sick or have an on the job injury (OJI), I accrue 8 hours of sick and OJI time each month, and there is no limit to the accrual amount of either one. Thankfully, that is the result of my collective bargaining agreement.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a union representative. All the training I’ve received as a result, has not only prepared me to be the best I can be on the job, but also in life. I have been able to help save someone from a wrongful termination, pointed out extenuating circumstances that kept an agent from being disciplined for their absences, been able to help get someone on FMLA when they didn’t understand the policy, and many more things. I wouldn’t be able to do that without a collective bargaining agreement that allows me to investigate those situations, speak up about them, and right the wrongs without repercussions. Being a union rep has also given me the opportunity to become involved in organizing and I have met great people in the cities I have traveled-Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Cincinnati.
I’m thankful I live in a country that believes in democracy and where I get to vote on who I want to represent me. Whether it’s a local, state, federal, or union election, my vote is my voice.
While my blessings are many and I’m thankful for each one, I’m most thankful for my family and friends. Every day I wake up, I get the chance to make to world better for them.
So this holiday season and throughout the year, my wish for you is good health, an abundance of wealth, and may your blessings be endless. Also let us remember those less fortunate.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
Diane K. Tomevi
Seattle Reservations (23 yrs)
2 comments:
And the same to you!! You are absolutely correct that we have plently to be thankful for. Family foremost!! My 40$ a month union dues(I often referre to it as an insurance policy) give me peace of mind that when these job cuts happen/when we close reservation office I have the opportunity with 24years to go to any res office anywhere in the system and EXCERSICE MY SENIORITY,not see if there is an opening. That percise language in my contract at this time in my career is something I am so THANKFUL for, more so than the 1.5% pay increase I receive every January, again something my CBA provides for me. Everyone needs to think about mor than that a simple increase in salary, because with no scope, no job protection.....$$$$ means nothing.
During this next few months lets not guess lets get the facts and realize, we are in for an hell of tailspin in 2009!!!! Bend over, grab your ankles......without a union here it comes again.
Thank you Diane for all the time, energy, dedication, thoughtfulness, determination that you have given to help NWA employees have a better life through your work as/ a union rep/officer. Most important you keep that terrific sense of humor through trying time. Have very happy holidays. Ilene Moe
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