Inspired by @styro I am heading up a group of underpaid, overworked colleagues and trying to get some better working conditions for us. We have a new department head coming this summer and it seems like the right time to push for change. I think I’m middle of the road when it comes to the problems we’re facing--there are people who have it better and people who have it worse workwise. I do think I have some of the most supportive colleagues, though, so I’m in a good place to lead the charge. I had been feeling guilty for asking for anything more than good coworkers, people who constantly affirm and appreciate me, but then I realized fuck that noise! I am outstanding at my job, and I’m a good resource for colleagues outside my department as well. I should be getting compensated accordingly, or at least not penalized for being conscientious and dedicated--a big problem is that our mid-level boss has said we can’t take overtime (they haven’t budgeted for it), but sometimes it’s not possible to get the work done in the allotted hours so we just don’t put all our hours down (yes, I know that’s illegal & unfair & a burden we place on ourselves. We are all women in this role and I think that’s a big part of the problem, and one angle from which we will try to push this change). I think most of us don’t want to constantly work overtime, nor do we need to, but we need to be able to take it when the situation warrants. There are other issues as well but that’s a big one that would take some of the pressure off and make the other problems easier to deal with.
I’m also throwing my name into the ring for an org-wide staff advisory group, something I haven’t been particularly interested before. I figure it might help me deal with this proposal better, but also that dealing with this proposal would help me serve the org at large.
ANYWAY it’s exciting to want to be involved again. My friend/coworker and I have been talking about these problems for years and I’m finally fed up. We’ve been using code words and not putting anything into writing because there are people whose positions may not be as secure as our own, but I think we’re done pussy-footing around--I want to be direct and transparent. We’re not going to strike or anything but enough is enough.
