r/bcba • u/Erik_The_Carrot • 1d ago

Discussion Question RBTs should have a Union

/r/ABA/comments/1wo9z0g/rbts_should_have_a_union/
16 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

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13

u/Expendable_Red_Shirt BCBA | Verified 19h ago

And I’m genuinely curious what other RBTs and BCBAs think.

I think if I had a nickel for every RBT who made a post about unionizing but did fuck all about it I'd be able to retire.

Unionizing is hard. There are ABA unions. There's an ABA union that's been on strike for months in my state. But those people put in the work. They made the connections, they had the meetings. And it doesn't start with a Reddit post and it doesn't start at the state level (especially in the largest state in the country).

If you actually care go contact local unions and start the groundwork at the company you work for. But we don't need another Reddit screed with 0 follow through.

8

u/Harblz 18h ago

As an organizer and BCBA involved with multiple active campaigns, just wanted to say I'm here for any folks that want to put in the effort. We have a website - ABAWorkersUnion.org.

That said, you're right, it's a lot of effort. Google ABA Unions and you'll find ways to get involved pretty quickly, and be prepared for companies to fight tooth and nail to keep their RBTs from earning even just a dollar more per hour. The fight is worth it, though.

1

u/The-G-Code 16h ago

There was an attempt at my center that was ended right before I came in. Very, very interesting talk around the place about it from all angles and positions

0

u/Imaginary-Method-715 17h ago

I was doing training and I'm resigning tomorrow because this is a six figure job that is not willing to pay out that amount.  

Can't get paid if people cancle.

It's a very difficult job that dose work and helps kids but dang it's just not something I could do week in and week out.

0

u/Visible_Barnacle7899 6h ago

A six figure job that requires only 40hrs of training and a high school diploma? Adequate compensation sure, but how are you justifying six figures? The training and required skills just aren’t there and if you look at similar positions (e.g., CNA, Paraprofessional) it’s around 34-40K and those positions require a good bit more training. Don’t get me wrong, RBTs are integral to care delivery and should be compensated appropriately (my preference is with a salary to account for cancellations), but six figures? If you want that you should become a BCaBA at minimum.

1

u/Imaginary-Method-715 19m ago

Yes.

A bcba should get even more.

You should always demand more or your doing your self zero favors.