MEA-MFT's Work That Matters campaign
Celebrating the dignity & value of public service. That's the goal of MEA-MFT's award-winning Work That Matters campaign.
Work That Matters puts a face -- literally -- on Montana public employees, introducing them to Montana's people.
Why Work That Matters? In these tough economic times, Montana has some important decisions to make. Montanans deserve to know what is at stake as our leaders decide funding levels for public services.
Using postcards, radio spots, newspaper ads, and other means, Work That Matters introduces Montanans to public employees in a wide variety of different jobs around the state.
They are just a sample of the thousands of dedicated public employees all over the state who make a difference every day in the lives of Montanans.
Please get involved Work That Matters! Here's how:
1. 2011 Legislature: Follow the action during the 2011 Montana Legislature. The legislature will be making key decisions about public employees, especially the state employee pay plan. MEA-MFT is fighting for a salary increase for all state employees. We can do it only with our members' help!
2. Send us information on the job you do and how it contributes to Montana's economy and the well being of Montana's people. We'll use it to talk to legislators and other Montanans about the important work state employees do. E-mail Sanna Porte at sporte@mea-mft.org.
Work That Matters worksite tours
MEA-MFT launched a new phase of Work That Matters in January 2010 with the help of a special guest: Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, one of MEA-MFT's two national affiliates.
Randi's visit to Montana included tours of MEA-MFT members' work sites in Jefferson County, the state health lab, state water lab, state historical society, and MSU-Bozeman. (See photos above right.)
This was the first of several Work That Matters work site tours held in Bozeman, Helena, and Great Falls in 2010. More tours are planned for 2011. President Eric Feaver and MEA-MFT staff joined local legislators, news media, reps from the governor's office, and other community leaders to visit with our members where they work and learn about what they do.
The economic link
Public services and programs have always played a fundamental role in building America’s economy. Public services pave the way for new innovations, new businesses and industries. Public services allow the middle class to thrive. Public services also help people get through tough times and get back on their feet – moving them from welfare to self-sufficiency.
Public services and programs exist to provide for the common good, to protect our communities, to address public problems before they occur. They are smart investments that end up paying for themselves.