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1) Tiny Cracks in the Great Wall.
The Wisconsin protests were supposed to usher in a new age of union
solidarity and activism, and to a certain extent they have. But in
activating the rank-and-file, unions also seem to have activated previously
apathetic and compliant members, staff and local officers. Motivations may
vary, but it is highly irregular to find union constituencies publicly
carving out independent stances.
Last week, the
Northwest Allen County Education Association disaffiliated from the
Indiana State Teachers Association and NEA by a vote of 111 to 17. The local
will now operate independently, reducing its dues by roughly 75 percent.
NACEA president Alan Bodenstein believes the move will increase membership,
and therefore clout within the district. The ISTA called the decision
"shortsighted."
Over in Chicago, teachers at three
elementary schools decided to
approve a proposal to add 90 minutes to the school day - supported by
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the school district, but opposed by the Chicago
Teachers Union. CTU Vice-president
Jesse Sharkey called the decision " old-style Chicago ward plantation
politics."
The staff union of the
Wisconsin Education Association Council has been remarkably quiet in the
wake of mass layoffs. Now comes the first noises of blowback. It seems WEAC
advertised a staff opening in Racine without first allowing qualified
laid-off staffers a shot at the position. NEA's national staff union is
advising NEA employees nationwide not to apply for any openings in Wisconsin
until the situation is resolved.
While the teachers'
unions can be expected to stand together in the face of external threats,
the stakes are so high that there will be serious differences over the
proper strategies to use. Marching in lockstep displays the greatest
strength, unless you're heading for the cliff's edge. Don't be surprised to
see segments of the union population veer off both left and right in the
coming months.
2) Last Week's Intercepts.
EIA's blog,
Intercepts, covered these topics from August 30-September 6:
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AFT: Champion of Investigative Reporting. The sincerest form of
hypocrisy.
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Anti-Union Union Households. Customer complaints.
* Fair
Trade? Should have held out for a draft choice or a utility infielder.
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Quote of the Week. Silver lining.
3) Quote of the Week #1.
"Oh no, I wouldn't see it a big loss. I see it as the next step in unions
regaining their strength in the state. I think that in the end, probably a
number of years from now, the public sector unions will be stronger than
ever in that state." - National Education Association executive director
John Stocks, discussing the results of the Wisconsin recall elections.
(September 3
WisPolitics.com)
Quote of the Week #2.
"In
fact, to many Democrats, it seems like every tax proposal has its downside.
Sales and income taxes aren't popular with voters. Taxing oil companies and
rich people are more popular, but neither would bring in enough money."
- Ben Adler, reporter for Capital Public Radio, describing the dilemma for
California Gov. Jerry Brown and the Democrats in the state legislature.
(September 6
Capital Public Radio) |
