Sunday, January 24, 2010

Don't give up before the fight!


Carlos Garcia has proposed a devastating packet of budget cuts and has asked for UESF’s help in pushing the cuts through by the end of February. The Executive Board is holding an emergency meeting this coming Wednesday to consider options. While its important that the leadership of UESF is demanding that the district provide a detailed explanation of its budget proposal, we do not think our union should accept Garcia's emergency timeframe or be preparing our members for concessions. We have to put up a fight.

EDU – Educators for a Democratic Union - believes that UESF officers and the executive board need to hear from as many members ASAP to urge the union to slow this process down. Please send email UESF officers (dkelly@uesf.org,lplack@uesf.org, ssolomon@uesf.org) and tell them:

1. We do not have to accept Garcia’s timeline. Don’t fast-track us into a concessionary contract that is anti-educator and anti-student. The school board has until March 15th to send out lay-off notices. Do not give up without a fight.

2. Our starting point should be the demands passed by the UESF Assembly for the March 4th rally: NO CUTS! NO LAY-OFFS! EMERGENCY FUNDING for EDUCATION!

3. MOBILIZE at the school board on January 26th and MOBILIZE with parents, students, and our labor allies on March 4th.

4. Do not deal with our contract as an emergency. We need to be informed and involved every step of the way.
Please pass this message on to everyone you know – families, students, teachers, paras, community members.

It’s time to draw a line!
Educators for a Democratic Union

2 comments:

  1. I wonder if there's a way to get the entire UESF membership to be aware of this blog? During this emergency, I would think an engaged membership, talking with each other is important. RIght now, unfortunately, there is no UESF blog or bulletin board where members can speak with each other. For a truly 21st- century, truly democratic union with truly engaged membership, I'd like to see all of our union talking with each other online --now and after this urgent time.

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  2. I agree with this. Is there a way you can help create something. This is our minor first attempt. -David Russitano

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