I think I'm even more disillusioned with the union now that they have called for the ousting of Dr. Alonso, the new CEO.
The man has been here for all of three months, and that's just not fair. I like the things that he is doing. It finally feels like someone competent is in charge. He's firing (or forcing resignations) of folks left and right at North Avenue, and that's a place that needs plenty of change. He talks a good game and comes off as intelligent and diligent.
Unfortunately, that is not how the union is coming off.
Judging from the comments for that particular article, the union is certainly not doing a very good job of winning over the hearts or minds of the public, either.
I do not want to give in about the planning period. You give an inch, they take a foot. The "principal's discretionary" use of our planning period could turn in to walking the halls or bathroom duty, for all we know. It's demeaning and belittling to think that we don't collaborate every single day, all the time.
But I wish the union had concentrated on more important issues, like class size (mine has leaped from average of 24 to an average of 35), materials, building safety, and a 12-month contract. And I wish they wouldn't come off so whiny and petty. Because that's what happening here. Dr. Alonso and the board (and don't get me started on the school board, or certain members of it) look like they're the ones fighting for the kids, and the union seems like it's fighting for 45 minutes. It's not a fair portrayal, and it's not true, but that's how it's looking.
This is not going to end well for the union. I can feel it. I wish I could call for a vote of no confidence in our union. (And, remember, I'm a huge pro-union type of guy!)
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2 comments:
I just listened to the podcast of the Marc Steiner Show with an interview with Alonso followed by an interview with the president of the Union. Alonso came of as a principled professional-- a man trying to do everything he could do to run the schools properly.
The Union president came off as a desperate, preening, petty, little schmo. The negotiation of the Teacher the Teacher's contract didn't go her way-- they got thrown a ball out of left field when they thought they had a deal-- and now she's throwing a hissy fit and letting everyone know how upset she is. Steiner more than once implied that it didn't sound like Alonso and the union were, in truth, very far away from each other. But the Union and it's leadership seem much more intent on making noise than bargaining. Shame.
Here here, anonymous.
Epiph, I deeply respect your affinity with the theoretical values of a union. I couldn't agree more. Where they go wrong is the top. Marietta English for BTU (and Loretta Johnson) and Glen Middleton for AFSCME refuse to realize that it's the 21st century. SEIU on the other hand has taken the movement in stride and is an incredibly progressive organization. Just a thought.
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