I came upon this piece from 2015 on the average salaries of NYC sanitation workers compared to other city workers. Since pattern bargaining gives us all basically the same raises, these numbers hold up today. Teachers are losing the income battle despite our advanced degrees and experience.
From the article:
One reason applicants may be lining up to become a sanitation worker is the pay. The starting salary is low, $33,746, but when you factor in overtime, it averages $47,371 in the first year. And after 5½ years, the salary jumps to an average of $88,616 dollars. That’s not bad, considering the average annual pay for New York City transit workers is $77,991, New York City teachers is $68,151 dollars and New York City Parks Department employees is $50,042.
Sanitation workers are considered uniformed workers so their pay is increased more than civilian workers in most labor contracts so the gap will only widen as time goes by.
If you are wondering about police officers, NYPD officers officers earn $85,292 after five years but the city admits that with overtime, night differential and longevity, that easily goes to over $100,000.
If we add in the pre-k teachers who work in universal pre-k Community Based Organizations, teacher salaries are probably lower than what is reported here. Ours is a mostly female job and sadly we are valued by society less than male dominated jobs. Does anyone have a better explanation as to why nobs that don't require advanced degrees earn as much or more than us? All respect to all of those workers; I do not begrudge them their living and feel in particular that NYPD officers should earn what their colleagues in the suburbs make. What about the way teachers are bullied by administration? It does not have to be this way.
I have been writing this blog and have been active in the UFT trying to change this for a long time but change can't come from Michael Mulgrew or Randi Weingarten; it has to come from the rank and file. Maybe the Me Too Movement will inspire teachers to speak up and stop taking the abuse at work.
A sanitation worker does not need a BA and a Masters to gain employment. A teacher can easily spend $150,000 in tuition plus room and board to earn these degrees. He also spends four or five years earning his diploma, while the sanitation man works for this time period. The sanitation worker earns at least $200,000 in that time frame while the teacher is out $150,00. (The sanitation man also ho loans to repay; or interest on loans.). That places the sanitation man $350,000 ahead of the teacher, before the latter steps into the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI've met three teachers that quit to become cops during the last five years and I met one that left to be a sanitation worker. One of those guys had a father who was a cop and a grandfather that was killed on the job. His parents begged him not to leave teaching. He told them they had no idea what being a teacher was like. I tried to dissuade him as well, to no avail. He was a great teacher.
ReplyDeleteFor the love of me, why doesn't NYC DOE/UFT teachers have "20 and out" like the uniformed services? I am at least happy as Hell that I am in the 25/55 program. I am gonna be out of here like shit through a goose the day after my 55th birthday.
ReplyDeleteYou and me, both.
ReplyDeleteyeah, keep the pathetic raises and the paid maternity and whatever else---
ReplyDeletejust give me 20 and out!!!!
this should be the one and only contract demand - 20 year retirement - saves the city tons of money and allows all teachers who have no choice but to stay (b/c of debt, age, burnout & a worthless degree) - a decent chance to salvage his/her life.
tier 4 buy-out now or 20 year retirement!!!
I would even take an offer of - 20 year of service @ 50 y.o. @ 40% FAS w/ health benefits.
And if you are under 30 and still in this job, you are a fool!
Got to feel good, for all the UFT members shoveling shit every day, to know that you would make out better just picking up garbage.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mike and Randy.
Sanitation workers do have a good deal, but it is a very tough job to get into. Lots and lots of people take the test.
ReplyDeleteI’d rather shovel horse shit eight hours a Day than remain teaching. I’m out June 28th for good.
ReplyDeleteIn this society,handling garbage is more important than handling children.
ReplyDeleteAnd im quitting in June, in my 30s, this is what they wanted.
ReplyDeleteI handle garbage, 33 little pieces of garbage a period, give me more money!
ReplyDelete7:58,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're not a teacher.
I think 7:58 is a teacher. I heard plenty of teachers refer to children as garbage. Are many teachers racist? Does the earth rotate?
ReplyDeleteSorry, many are garbage. What would you call a 19 year old with 3 credits with 40 arrests who tells adults to suck his dick? A model member of society?
ReplyDeleteThey are victims of white supremacy don’t you know
DeleteIf you don't like the job, get another.
ReplyDeleteNo, I want this job to be better.
ReplyDelete