Denver Public Schools teachers are still without a contract.
Bethel Education Association in Spanway, WA are on strike. Strikewatch has been updated. more here.
Harlem Federation of Teachers FIRST took a vote of no confidence in their superintendent THEN rejected the tentative agreement and are NOW back on the line.
Whitney Tilson fends off a self-described "blog attack".
Teacher unions good? Well, kinda, according to this guy.
Showing posts with label strike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strike. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Hayward: Day 5 (One week in)
The more I see what's going on in Hayward, and how HEA is handling things there (with the assistance of CTA) the more impressed I am. This is a really well-run strike (if there is such an animal).
Why do I say this? Here are my reasons (in no particular order)
Why do I say this? Here are my reasons (in no particular order)
- They're getting media coverage that doesn't portray them as "those striking teachers".
- It appears the parents support 'em.
- They had 98% participation on the first day of the strike.
- They've got a well-run website complete with updates and press releases and the like. Go here to the main page.
- They're putting their strike newsletters known as "HEA on the Line" up in PDF format, go here to see them.
- Their extensive use of Youtube is quite literally groundbreaking; to my knowledge, I haven't seen it used before when it comes to a US teachers strike; the grass-roots street cred it brings to the whole effort is great.
- They made this poster for scabs. (opens to a PDF file)
They're supposed to be meeting today with a mediator and apparently the mayor will be sending a letter to the Superintendent. I hope they get this contract settled soon, to their liking.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
From Green Dot to Tom Green...
Yes, you know...the guy who had the show on MTV a while back (years ago, actually). Survived a bout with testicular cancer, and has....dropped off the radar? I don't know where he is now, but I do remember his stirring rendition of the "bum bum song". Heh.
Anyhow, I'm trolling YouTube to see if there's any new Hayward stuff (there isn't) and I come across this great clip of him. I think it's from his younger days, though it could have been from the Canadian teachers strike from a while back (yes, Tom is a Canuck). He's trying to "interview" striking teachers and they had no clue who he was...and then he does his Tom Green thing.
I think some hard-core unionists might be offended by it; I think it's just plain funny. It reinforces the idea, however humorously portrayed in this clip that if you're going to go on strike, you need to be able to articulate why you're on strike-- so does your rank and file. You need to be able to explain why you're on strike in a way for a person who knows nothing about the intricacies of your situation can understand and sympathize with you. You've gotta do it quick; soundbites are getting shorter and shorter, pretty soon there won't be much of anything left.
A great example of how not to act is the guy that they interview towards the end of the clip; I even started thinking he was a jerk, and I'd never cross that picket line in a million years.
Anyhow, I'm trolling YouTube to see if there's any new Hayward stuff (there isn't) and I come across this great clip of him. I think it's from his younger days, though it could have been from the Canadian teachers strike from a while back (yes, Tom is a Canuck). He's trying to "interview" striking teachers and they had no clue who he was...and then he does his Tom Green thing.
I think some hard-core unionists might be offended by it; I think it's just plain funny. It reinforces the idea, however humorously portrayed in this clip that if you're going to go on strike, you need to be able to articulate why you're on strike-- so does your rank and file. You need to be able to explain why you're on strike in a way for a person who knows nothing about the intricacies of your situation can understand and sympathize with you. You've gotta do it quick; soundbites are getting shorter and shorter, pretty soon there won't be much of anything left.
A great example of how not to act is the guy that they interview towards the end of the clip; I even started thinking he was a jerk, and I'd never cross that picket line in a million years.
Monday, April 09, 2007
A question for the Hayward Superintendent....
This question goes out from the rank and file to the Hayward Superintendent, Dr. Vigil. It's short (like 45 seconds) and I'm really digging this YouTube thing; so far I've only really seen YT used for teacher union campaigns and speeches-- I think Hayward is breaking new ground.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Strike Notice Given!
The Cornell Education Association in Cornell, PA has give notice their strike will begin on Wednesday, March 14th at 7 AM. Their negotiations are at impasse. I have made the changes on StrikeWatch!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Architects of the UTLA victory...
This is a great LA times piece about Joel Jordan and Joshua Pechthalt, behind the scenes UTLA movers and shakers whose tactics have helped shape and create UTLA's recent victory.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Strike Update: Rochester PA, Lee County AK
Rochester teachers saw day 5 of the strike come and go. Their students joined them on the picket lines.
Lee County teachers are still on strike, and things don't seem to be going anywhere. Student attendance is at 10%, a good sign. Great article about it here. Here's another one, but it is a bit older than the first. (Those are Lee County folks on the left).
Lee County teachers are still on strike, and things don't seem to be going anywhere. Student attendance is at 10%, a good sign. Great article about it here. Here's another one, but it is a bit older than the first. (Those are Lee County folks on the left).
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
This just in from a Boston Teacher Union bunker meeting....
Steve blogs about a secret meeting at his school where he and other concerned teachers asked the question "What now?" and "What if we...". He had a thoughtful earlier post about striking from almost a month ago. I can't believe I didn't see it. Read it here.
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Boston: Tick Tock! France: Ooh Lah Lah!
BTU members are meeting on Valentine's Day for what appears to be a strike vote. I didn't see anything about the executive board authorizing a strike vote by the membership and the media doesn't seem to know anything when it comes to collective bargaining. In fact, I think they do know one word, and one word only-- strike. You know, one thing that bugs me to no end is when the local media just calls the local the "teacher's union". There's a reason we are an Association or a Federation. All teachers' unions are not alike.
On an even less serious note, it appears that French teachers are now on strike. Well, uh, that is unless they work in this school. But according to this account, the Bordeaux region seemed to be a ghost town. They also talk a lot about dog poo in this blog entry.
I know I should be fully supporting the French in their strike and stuff, but when you only have a 6.5 hour workweek, 6 weeks of paid vacation and cradle to the grave everything that there really isn't all that much to strike for. (Yes, I know I'm being a bit over the top with these descriptions, but so was Homer Simpson when he called the French "cheese eating surrender monkeys" but that was still funny, too.) Though missteacher does have a bit of a poignant post about why she went out into the streets today. So you've made me feel bad, 'an I take back most of the crappy things I just said. Most, not all. :)
Viva La Revolution! (or something like that)
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
On an even less serious note, it appears that French teachers are now on strike. Well, uh, that is unless they work in this school. But according to this account, the Bordeaux region seemed to be a ghost town. They also talk a lot about dog poo in this blog entry.
I know I should be fully supporting the French in their strike and stuff, but when you only have a 6.5 hour workweek, 6 weeks of paid vacation and cradle to the grave everything that there really isn't all that much to strike for. (Yes, I know I'm being a bit over the top with these descriptions, but so was Homer Simpson when he called the French "cheese eating surrender monkeys" but that was still funny, too.) Though missteacher does have a bit of a poignant post about why she went out into the streets today. So you've made me feel bad, 'an I take back most of the crappy things I just said. Most, not all. :)
Viva La Revolution! (or something like that)
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
Monday, February 05, 2007
"These people are very tough and look out for each other."
Says Butch Santicola, Organizing Director for the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Rochester Area School District teachers' union is on strike as of today. Talks are scheduled for tomorrow, but there's no expectation of a deal.
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
Friday, February 02, 2007
National Negotiations Update for the week ending 2/2/07
This is an update from the past week regarding negotiations all over the nation. My district's not negotiating this year, but all of this job action type stuff makes me want to join a march or something.
California
In at CSU (California State University) Monterey Bay, profs shouldered their pickets and marched the quad this past Wednesday. Union Librarian has more here.
San Mateo Teacher's Association picketed their schools and district office after they reached an impasse in negotiations. The district also tried to increase teachers' medical costs prior to the official reach of impasse. The union filed an unfair labor practice and won and PERB declared in favor of the teacher's union. More on the ULP/ PERB ruling here.
Indiana
West Lafayette teachers didn't think their negotiations were going well, so they put an ad out in their local paper.
Massachusetts
In Watertown, Massachusetts the teacher's union marched on their town hall. In true New England fashion, they didn't start chanting slogans or shoulder their pickets until they could see the whites of their opponents' eyes. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Michigan
In Lansing, Michigan the teachers are out in full force. They're picketing the administration building after voting down a contract proposal last week.
Pennsylvania
Negotiations are certainly going on Pennsylvania right now. There are 2 on strikewatch as we speak. This one seems to be going a bit better.
(2/4) Rochester Area School district teachers, cafeteria workers and the like will be going on strike on Monday at 12:01 AM. Read about it here. Change in plan, read more about it here.
What is up with Pennsylvania? It seems as if every district and their mother is in negotiations right now. Perhaps it's regulated by state law. Anyhow, this union in this district wants negotiations open to the public, while the school board says "No, we don't negotiate in public."
Wisconsin
Orfordville's Parkview Schools Education Association is currently working to the rule due to the fact that negotiations have failed and they have been without a contract for three years.
Technorati Tags:
Teacher Union
Job Action
Contract Negotiation
Strike
School Board
In at CSU (California State University) Monterey Bay, profs shouldered their pickets and marched the quad this past Wednesday. Union Librarian has more here.
San Mateo Teacher's Association picketed their schools and district office after they reached an impasse in negotiations. The district also tried to increase teachers' medical costs prior to the official reach of impasse. The union filed an unfair labor practice and won and PERB declared in favor of the teacher's union. More on the ULP/ PERB ruling here.
Indiana
West Lafayette teachers didn't think their negotiations were going well, so they put an ad out in their local paper.
Massachusetts
In Watertown, Massachusetts the teacher's union marched on their town hall. In true New England fashion, they didn't start chanting slogans or shoulder their pickets until they could see the whites of their opponents' eyes. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Michigan
In Lansing, Michigan the teachers are out in full force. They're picketing the administration building after voting down a contract proposal last week.
Pennsylvania
Negotiations are certainly going on Pennsylvania right now. There are 2 on strikewatch as we speak. This one seems to be going a bit better.
(2/4) Rochester Area School district teachers, cafeteria workers and the like will be going on strike on Monday at 12:01 AM. Read about it here. Change in plan, read more about it here.
What is up with Pennsylvania? It seems as if every district and their mother is in negotiations right now. Perhaps it's regulated by state law. Anyhow, this union in this district wants negotiations open to the public, while the school board says "No, we don't negotiate in public."
Wisconsin
Orfordville's Parkview Schools Education Association is currently working to the rule due to the fact that negotiations have failed and they have been without a contract for three years.
Technorati Tags:
Teacher Union
Job Action
Contract Negotiation
Strike
School Board
What would Phil do? WWPD?
As the little town of PUNXSUTAWNEY fades into static of post-groundhog day lamentations, the teachers will not go away. The teachers have rescheduled their strike, originally slated for yesterday to Monday, February 5th. I have made the necessary corrections on Strikewatch!
One interesting bit that I didn't know about PA law is this:
"The state education department will determine the length of the strike. State law requires the district must have 180 days of instruction by June 15."
Huh. Who woulda thunk?
One interesting bit that I didn't know about PA law is this:
"The state education department will determine the length of the strike. State law requires the district must have 180 days of instruction by June 15."
Huh. Who woulda thunk?
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Union Bouquet #9: Post Carnival Edition
For the latest on teacher union strikes or negotiations, click here.
Welcome to the 9th edition of the Union Bouquet! I hosted the last edition of the Carnival of Education and whew...that was some work. Fun, rewarding, love the traffic it's bringing to the ol' site, but it's quite a bit of work.
Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you haven't heard about the teacher contract language searchable database.
Edwize brings us the news of a Chinese teacher strike....next, pigs will fly to a recently frozen over hell. Perhaps they saw this post of mine.
Okay, so perhaps she's not necessarily a teacher, but she's still one of us. Dr. Homeslice has a crush on Ms. Solidarity Forever.
Edutheria presents for all the letter that Darren got from a CTA bigwig about California Empowerment Network. The best quote from Edutheria? "When will the public at last turn on these vile, thuggish, cynical, reactionary unions?"
Ednotes reports on the job action that has begun in LAUSD with the UTLA boycotting after school meetings and unpaid after school events. On a side note, I already got that up in the last UB, but they beat me on the possible one day Boston Teacher's Union Stike. The reason is apparently to express displeasure with the way negotiations are going. Since they've been working without a contract since August 31st, a one day strike won't violate any performance pledge in their current contract. It's interesting to note that they threatened a one-day strike in 2003 and got a contract then as well. Here is a Boston Globe article about it.
Middletown Teachers Association in Middletown, NY has a nifty website where they have a "Grievance Corner".
Texas Ed has a post that has something to do with getting rid of ineffective teachers, but I can't figure it out for the life of me.
This is probably the most well-written news article about a grievance hearing. It's also the most uh, sensational.
In West Virginia, teachers might go on strike, so the local news station resurected footage of the 1990 strike and streamed it on their site.
Mr. Chalk, a limey, explains why he hasn't joined a union in 14 years of teaching.
The Governor of Maine is all for the consolidation of 290 school districts into 26 regional districts. The Maine Education Association is all over it.
Limonada recalls going on strike....against her father, the principal of her school....when she was in third grade. Priceless.
The Detroit News slams DFT members for being elitist and sending more of their own children to private schools than the public.
Joyeous explains the Boston Teachers' Union demonstration. She should know, she took part in it.
The Metro Nashville Education Association (I did a long post about them and their briefly appointed homeschooling school board windbag-thorn-in-their-side, Kay Brooks here) is being sued by a teacher who wants to get out of the union, but can't do it until the two month window according to the bylaws open up.
Ascribe ends up on the wrong end of a grievance. A 2 year teacher, he applied for and was hired for a lucrative school newspaper gig over a 30 year veteran. The teacher thought she should have been hired because she was better qualified and grieved it. The union is supporting the grievance.
Commentary: I realize I only have one part of the story, but as long as the hiring process was followed, this 30 year vet has nothing to complain about. Yes, it sucks when you don't get hired and you think you're the best candidate for the job. I've been there before, I think we all have. Bringing the union into this is the wrong thing to do just because you think you're the best qualified one, and it's even worse that this person's local is picking up their case. Just because you're the one with the most seniority doesn't mean you're the most qualified.
By the way, don't forget to take a look at my new and exclusive feature.
Technorati Tags:
Teacher Union
Job Action
Contract Negotiation
Strike
School Board
Welcome to the 9th edition of the Union Bouquet! I hosted the last edition of the Carnival of Education and whew...that was some work. Fun, rewarding, love the traffic it's bringing to the ol' site, but it's quite a bit of work.
Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you haven't heard about the teacher contract language searchable database.
Edwize brings us the news of a Chinese teacher strike....next, pigs will fly to a recently frozen over hell. Perhaps they saw this post of mine.
Okay, so perhaps she's not necessarily a teacher, but she's still one of us. Dr. Homeslice has a crush on Ms. Solidarity Forever.
Edutheria presents for all the letter that Darren got from a CTA bigwig about California Empowerment Network. The best quote from Edutheria? "When will the public at last turn on these vile, thuggish, cynical, reactionary unions?"
Ednotes reports on the job action that has begun in LAUSD with the UTLA boycotting after school meetings and unpaid after school events. On a side note, I already got that up in the last UB, but they beat me on the possible one day Boston Teacher's Union Stike. The reason is apparently to express displeasure with the way negotiations are going. Since they've been working without a contract since August 31st, a one day strike won't violate any performance pledge in their current contract. It's interesting to note that they threatened a one-day strike in 2003 and got a contract then as well. Here is a Boston Globe article about it.
Middletown Teachers Association in Middletown, NY has a nifty website where they have a "Grievance Corner".
Texas Ed has a post that has something to do with getting rid of ineffective teachers, but I can't figure it out for the life of me.
This is probably the most well-written news article about a grievance hearing. It's also the most uh, sensational.
In West Virginia, teachers might go on strike, so the local news station resurected footage of the 1990 strike and streamed it on their site.
Mr. Chalk, a limey, explains why he hasn't joined a union in 14 years of teaching.
The Governor of Maine is all for the consolidation of 290 school districts into 26 regional districts. The Maine Education Association is all over it.
Limonada recalls going on strike....against her father, the principal of her school....when she was in third grade. Priceless.
The Detroit News slams DFT members for being elitist and sending more of their own children to private schools than the public.
Joyeous explains the Boston Teachers' Union demonstration. She should know, she took part in it.
The Metro Nashville Education Association (I did a long post about them and their briefly appointed homeschooling school board windbag-thorn-in-their-side, Kay Brooks here) is being sued by a teacher who wants to get out of the union, but can't do it until the two month window according to the bylaws open up.
Ascribe ends up on the wrong end of a grievance. A 2 year teacher, he applied for and was hired for a lucrative school newspaper gig over a 30 year veteran. The teacher thought she should have been hired because she was better qualified and grieved it. The union is supporting the grievance.
Commentary: I realize I only have one part of the story, but as long as the hiring process was followed, this 30 year vet has nothing to complain about. Yes, it sucks when you don't get hired and you think you're the best candidate for the job. I've been there before, I think we all have. Bringing the union into this is the wrong thing to do just because you think you're the best qualified one, and it's even worse that this person's local is picking up their case. Just because you're the one with the most seniority doesn't mean you're the most qualified.
By the way, don't forget to take a look at my new and exclusive feature.
Technorati Tags:
Teacher Union
Job Action
Contract Negotiation
Strike
School Board
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