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.

Max Factor Goes Off: NO SERVICE FOR YOU!

Our District Representative will not come to our school to tell us the pros and cons of the current contract. Instead, we may be visited by the Borough Representative, or even the Vice President may show up to hold our Chapter Leader's hand.

Apparently, our DR can pick and choose whom he will grace with his erudite observations and pearls of Unity wisdom. For one man to have such power AND two pensions boggles the collective Port Richmond High School mind. He works where he will, when he will, and with whom he will.

God help us we love him so!

Still, though, we can't elect those that should serve us, but we must be content with whomever Randi tosses our way.

That's Unity democracy.

The Snakehead Goes Off; or,How Do You Spell COLLUSION ?

R.A.N.D.I. that's how! Wake up people. We're on the receiving end of another butt ramming courtesy of our Unity leadership. We are being played like a fish, deceived and manipulated ... and by the people who are supposed to protect us! How convenient that all of a sudden we have a new contract, a year ahead of schedule. Looks like its just in time for this spring's election! What a coincidence! Can anyone still believe that the Mayor and our President aren't in bed, aren't in cahoots? The current contract and this new contract were negotiated at the same time same. Bloomberg got his changes in work rules, and the good P.R. that comes from stripping teachers of their rights. Now Randi gets all the credit for producing a contract with "no givebacks," so she can ride a wave of support to reelection. Our union is backing mayoral control of the schools, and becomes another notch in the mayor's belt. Everyone wins: Bloomberg, and Randi... well maybe not everyone. WE LOSE--AGAIN (if we ratify this crap). Voluntary "buyouts" for excessed teachers that become ATR's? Not too scary! Why not just arrange to have the senior teachers they don't want around anymore pushed under a bus? The potential for disaster is endless. But they've buttered up the new teachers with a five year longevity to counter balance discontent amongst older teachers, so new teachers will bite the hook dangling in front of them. Pretty slick... looks like this has been very well planned ... and that in itself should piss you off. Before some idiot starts to say "but this contract has no givebacks," remember everything was given away in the last contract, and most of us felt we should be working to get back some of the rights that were taken from us. No takebacks huh? Oh well.
Now, wait until the "coalition" bargaining with our pensions and health care begins! I'm sure that will be lots of fun, after all the mayor declared months ago that concessions on pensions and healthcare were the top priority. It all starts to come together doesn't it? Randi gets hers, Bloomberg gets his, and we are used as pawns in their self-serving political games. Well, I don't like being used, I don't know about you but, this whole collusion thing really burns my ass. We cannot stand for this, no more backroom politics and under the table deals, no more corruption from these self serving sycophants. VOTE NO on this contract! Vote UNITY OUT! Anyone but Randi. UNITY OUT!