Tuesday, April 30, 2024

My first teaching position was in Gary, Indiana. 1978 was a contract year, and I was "advised" to make sure to join the union incase there was a strike. Two justifiable reasons to do so: If a strike were to happen and I wasn't union, I would be fired by the district if I refused to cross the picket lines; on the other hand, if I wasn't union and I did cross the picket line (to retain my job) my -car, property, an health might well be in jeopardy. This advise was given in all seriousness. Gary AFT ,founded in1916, was the 4th union local organized in the country, and they ment business.

My 2nd teaching position 5 years later was in Laredo, Texas where, when I asked about joining the union (lucky me-another contract year) was told not to bother because in Texas, while it is legal to belong to a union, collective bargaining is against the law and any public employee who did so would find themselves both fired and in jail.

Go figure, and good luck with your negotiating- if both parties really are working in the best interests of all, winner, winner, chicken dinner. Not seeing too much consensus being practiced in the world these days.

Our new superintendent comes from Missouri, where teachers cannot strike and the unions are weak. I think he mistakenly thought he could push us around. Unions are strong in Minnesota, and we are one of 13 states that do allow teachers to strike. We have NEVER, I mean never even done informational picketing, let alone strike, but here we are. The superintendent is leading the district negotiations team in bad faith bargaining. We've had to lawyer up. He is currently ranked the 2nd highest paid superintendent in the state. Our district is ranked 9th in quality. Our pay is 67th. Something's not adding up.

I don't generally like unions, but you guys are getting screwed, pardon my French, and I'm glad you have someone behind you!

Greetings all

It's sunny but windy here. I could really feel the wind off the bay while driving down the freeway to Scrabble. I got really beat up today. No wins for me. I got my weekly cheeseburger and ate half. Other half for later this afternoon. I am feeling especially achey today for no known reason. Took advil which I do not do often. More reason to consider new drugs.

Bonnie150 that asparagus looks wonderful! A favorite recipe is to steam then roll a spear up in a slice of deli ham or turkey with a bit of cheese. Makes a good healthy meal. Thanks for the reminder that the stuff is in season now and available. Yum my favorite. Will Swann bother the garden? Years ago I knew someone who was growing asparagus and the ****er spaniel nipped off all the asparagus buds.

Morning rain sounds very Caribbean Liz. Glad you had a great dinner out. Yeah it's amazing that there are people who don't care that much about food but it's true. If I could push a button and be such a person I am not sure that I would.

CC sounds like you need a ditch witch to dig in your soil. Pox on whatever varmints are digging in your trees.

People were arrested at the university here yesterday. I hope they can get back to education. There is a place for protest but not by taking over admin buildings.

Steak tonight. I brought home some deli stuff yesterday after gallery day and it was positively awful. Need to avoid that particular store deli. Mainly need to get back to protein. Tuna salad on the horizon.

DD hoping for the best on the strike issue. Seems like no one is listening.

Diane S