DEMOCRACY AND THE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
One major issue affecting the rank and file of the UFT is the decrease of democracy. The fact that District Representatives are appointed by the president, and no longer elected, is of great concern. Appointed DRs are answerable to the executive who appoints them, and not to the union members in the districts they ostensibly represent. This has diminished their effectiveness. Clearly, there is too much concentration of power in the executive.
Why is this so important to rectify? With monthly dues exceeding $80, members should have a say in who performs liaison among the chapter leaders, the union leadership, and the DOE. If the UFT is truly committed to strengthening teacher activism, democratizing the DRs is an excellent place to begin. The new contract has placed greater obstacles in the paths of the members, so we must meet these challenges head on, by ensuring that DRs get more involved in the day-to-day struggles of teachers in each district. The plain truth is that elected representatives will work harder to please their constituents, than appointed ones.
What needs to be done? The simplest solution is for Randi Weingarten to use her powers and see to it that District Reps are elected by the members in their districts. There is no question that Randi has the wherewithal to accomplish this. Such a rebirth of democracy will strengthen activism within our union, and improve morale and working conditions in the schools.
If Randi is unwilling to make this reform, there are other means to accomplish it. But why fight among ourselves? That only weakens us relative to City Hall.
-UTP Director, Joe Mudgett.
Why is this so important to rectify? With monthly dues exceeding $80, members should have a say in who performs liaison among the chapter leaders, the union leadership, and the DOE. If the UFT is truly committed to strengthening teacher activism, democratizing the DRs is an excellent place to begin. The new contract has placed greater obstacles in the paths of the members, so we must meet these challenges head on, by ensuring that DRs get more involved in the day-to-day struggles of teachers in each district. The plain truth is that elected representatives will work harder to please their constituents, than appointed ones.
What needs to be done? The simplest solution is for Randi Weingarten to use her powers and see to it that District Reps are elected by the members in their districts. There is no question that Randi has the wherewithal to accomplish this. Such a rebirth of democracy will strengthen activism within our union, and improve morale and working conditions in the schools.
If Randi is unwilling to make this reform, there are other means to accomplish it. But why fight among ourselves? That only weakens us relative to City Hall.
-UTP Director, Joe Mudgett.
posted by A Strong, Proud UTP Member at 1/21/2006 01:54:00 AM
13 Comments:
I wont't be holding my breath waiting for Randi to make this change. What can be done to force this issue and achieve this reform? At this point I don't think ASKING Unity for reforms that benefit the membership is effective. Asking for their help or negotiating with them is a sign of weakness, therefore providing them with proof that they don't have to take us seriously
Maybe you should ask us nicely and MAYBE we might even take you seriously-although we doubt it.
Better yet why don't you just crawl back under your rock. Our union doesn't need your kind now or ever.
We are not asking for anything. We are going to TAKE back OUR UNION. All the Unity hacks, lackeys, and hangers on can't stop us. We don't care if Unity takes us seriously or not (they obviously feel threatened by us already) we only care that our fellow union members kick them the hell out of our union. Once we are free of their corruption, and self- serving greed, we will finally have a real union.
We saw your pictures. I don't think we have anything to worry about
At least we have the guts to post our names (and pics) which is a hell of alot more than I can say for the Unity weasels who always post anonymously. What are these rodents afraid of? Have a spine for once in your life and actually take a stand on something instead of meekly following orders. Your not going to get that cushy union job you're after by posting on our blog, you'll have to learn how to really kiss up. Or maybe get off your knees, and work to improve our union and benefit the entire membership rather than just worrying about yourself.
Hey, I'm no Unity person, but I have a right to post anonymously if I want to. That is part of the beauty of blogs and freedom of speech
The 'WE" jmeade is referring to is ALL teachers who have had enough of the deck stacking tactics of the Unity party that seems to believe its mission is to preserve itself at our expense. I agree with anonymous who said he didn't think there was much to worry about from jus alone, but then I'd be breaking a sweat right now if I had a realistic assessment of just how many disgruntled teachers there are out there.
The party may not be over YET but when the full impact of the Unity contract hits home (6r's a commin' folks!) watch out!
My advice to Unity is to just keep on doing what your doing- I wouldn't want it any other way.
I wish Randi Weingarten would stop embarrassing the teachers she represents. Case in point is her lack of knowledge about the history of organized labor in America. The following is a direct quote from her article on page 21 of the January 19 issue of the New York Teacher:
"In the current climate, labor has to fight an uphill battle simply for wages that keep up with inflation. Everything is a fight these days: decent working conditions; respectful treatment; health, welfare and pension benefits--you name it."
It took lots of spilled blood, broken bones, and loss of life to get labor unions established here in the Land Of The Free. Corporate owners and Government officials never wanted to bargain collectively with their workers. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the quality of union leadership. The bosses are always going to throw roadblocks at us. That's a simple fact of life. But to complain about how difficult it is "these days" to negotiate contracts is absurd, and, from a historical standpoint, embarrassing.
It is no easy job to be at the helm of a labor union, and really put action plans into place, including strike plans, and negotiating fair contracts. But that's your job. You want to earn that raise you just gave yourself? Why not implement an activist plan like the one Nick Licari proposed at the last DA? What are you waiting for? October 2007?
Why are we wasting time and effort battling Circular 6R abuses? Circular 6R should have NEVER been agreed to. That was an issue we should have gone on strike for.
Joe
Excellent point Joe. Once again Randi is caught sending up a smoke screen of B.S.
sgalante
Joe does make an excellent point. He hit the nail right on the head. We are paying top dollar for union leadership, and receiving few benefits for our money. "Maybe its time for a change."
Who do you suggest Jeff? Nick?
I for one suggest getting some leadership that actually looks out for its members. Anyone who can bring us closer to that goal has my support.
UFT Constitution: Q & A
Q. When are school/chapter delegates elected?
A. The term of office for delegates is three years. Elections shall be held in May or June. Thus, some delegate positions will be contestable this May or June. If you are not pleased with the mindset, performance, and voting record of your delegates, nominate and elect ones more to your liking, people who will fight for you and represent your interests at the monthly Delegate Assemblies (DAs).
Q. When are chapter leaders elected?
A. In the same manner as are delegates. If your chapter leader is not working hard for you and your colleagues, nominate and elect someone who will fight for you and vote your way at the DAs.
Q. When are UFT Officers elected? Your union elects eleven (11) officers every three years. The next election shall be scheduled no later than June 2007.
The officers are: President, Six Vice Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Seceretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.
If you are unhappy with their performance (For example, do you think they negotiated a fair contract? Are you happy with your 6R assignment and longer school day?) you should vote for an alternate slate of candidates, people who will put the interests of union members first, and all other considerations second. Rest assured, the reform movement in our union will be nominating some excellent people to run for Officer positions. Keep informed, read all sides. Then vote for those who will fight for you. We teachers deserve and demand strength, pride and respect.
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