I'm Voting, Maybe
Max Factor
Why I haven't commented on the current contract proposal is because I honestly don't see any reason. The current contract proposal does not contain much to get excited about. There isn't much money at stake. There aren't many glaring negatives to shoutabout. That does not mean that I am happy with this contract, but if the membership accepted the last contract (which was truly horrendous) do you honestly think they will vote "no" to this one? The damage has already been done. The time for us all to stand together and vote "no" has passed.
There are a few positives in the contract that I can't find fault with. I don't see any reason why teachers should vote against a new five year salary step for our newer colleagues. It's true the money isn't much to write home about, but if we can get it why not take it?
I don't like the idea that teachers that find themselves ATRs can be offered a "voluntary" buy out because there is the obvious danger that those individuals may be "encouraged" to accept whatever is offered. I don't see any protections in place against this possible abuse, and that is something to consider.
Many people seem upset and surprised that this contract does not contain any provisions to attempt to win back what we've lost with the last contract. Are you kidding? Do you honestly believe you stand a chance of regaining anything with this mayor at this time?
In reality the vote for this contract is a done deal and there really isn't much to get excited about. The vote that should concern teachers is the vote that will be coming this spring. The vote that will express a desire to gain a union leadership that will lead and restore democracy to our union. Remember, what we've lost over the last two contracts was brought to you by Randi and Unity and that this current offering does not speak so much of success but of desperation.
But where is the opposition and their candidate? That is, perhaps, the best question.
Why I haven't commented on the current contract proposal is because I honestly don't see any reason. The current contract proposal does not contain much to get excited about. There isn't much money at stake. There aren't many glaring negatives to shoutabout. That does not mean that I am happy with this contract, but if the membership accepted the last contract (which was truly horrendous) do you honestly think they will vote "no" to this one? The damage has already been done. The time for us all to stand together and vote "no" has passed.
There are a few positives in the contract that I can't find fault with. I don't see any reason why teachers should vote against a new five year salary step for our newer colleagues. It's true the money isn't much to write home about, but if we can get it why not take it?
I don't like the idea that teachers that find themselves ATRs can be offered a "voluntary" buy out because there is the obvious danger that those individuals may be "encouraged" to accept whatever is offered. I don't see any protections in place against this possible abuse, and that is something to consider.
Many people seem upset and surprised that this contract does not contain any provisions to attempt to win back what we've lost with the last contract. Are you kidding? Do you honestly believe you stand a chance of regaining anything with this mayor at this time?
In reality the vote for this contract is a done deal and there really isn't much to get excited about. The vote that should concern teachers is the vote that will be coming this spring. The vote that will express a desire to gain a union leadership that will lead and restore democracy to our union. Remember, what we've lost over the last two contracts was brought to you by Randi and Unity and that this current offering does not speak so much of success but of desperation.
But where is the opposition and their candidate? That is, perhaps, the best question.