WTA President Steve Turiano excelled in outlining the events of the last weeks of the union/management relationship in Webster. Members posed insightful questions and provided additional opinions and anecdotes pertinent to the discussion. Were your concerns addressed satisfactorily at this point?
27 Comments
WTA member
3/14/2011 10:29:14 am
The message is clear...
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The federalist
3/14/2011 10:48:15 am
The union meeting at Thomas went very well overall and information was clearly presented to those union members who attended. There were teachers for most if not all schools throughout the district. The wta leadership did an excellent job listening to concerns of many of the members in attendance and giving straightforward honest answers to questions.
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Andy Mitchell
3/14/2011 11:11:12 am
No, not yet.
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Concerned Member
3/14/2011 10:41:49 pm
I'm concerned that with a publicly "searchable" blog the community support that we so want will be compromised. With almost no "tech savvy" one can set up a blog/ wiki/ etc. that the community will NOT be able to search (as the first hit when typing in Webster Teacher Association", and then our discourse can be public only to us. No matter what each member's opinions are, it is clear that right now we are having some problems being "unified", so THAT will be exactly what the public will see as "hit #1" in Google when they search for us. They will read our blog, see our lack of unity, and lose faith in the great things that we can do. I believe 100% in what Dan Graff said about us needing to know what we stand FOR, and not just what we stand against. I'm sure Norma Rae had a very certain idea of what she stood FOR when she stood on the table... she did not just say, "the boss is rolling their eyes, and looking for a new job". Give me a break... Cesar Chavez would have never said, "here's a postcard"... no... he inspired the masses to articulate what they STOOD FOR.
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Mike DiTullio
3/14/2011 11:22:30 pm
To Andy Mitchell:
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WTA Member Who Wants Talks!
3/15/2011 12:43:48 am
Can we ask for a meeting (that members can attend) where Steve can talk with Adele? If she knew that our members are eager to have talks start (and that she has to respond) might she come into an open forum (like yesterday)? Then at least we are all in the same room!
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WTA Member
3/15/2011 05:39:25 am
I understand that people will disagree but consider the following:
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3/15/2011 06:30:51 am
http://blogs.forbes.com/erikkain/2011/03/03/are-teachers-overpaid/
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WTA Member
3/15/2011 06:35:36 am
I was not present at Monday's meeting.
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WTA Member
3/15/2011 06:39:45 am
I think that union leaders did a noble thing by having an open member meeting about all current issues. I have no doubt that (although not in attendance) that they took all questions, concerns and comments seriously. Thank you for this.
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another wta member...
3/15/2011 08:32:22 am
Kudos to Steve and our union leadership for being respectful yesterday, even when some people clearly had an agenda. Not sure what Maria's bias against our new leadership is, but it was clear and transparent at the meeting and I for one did not appreciate her tone. If we break this contract all future contracts will be meaningless-it has nothing to do with saving the jobs of our brothers and sisters in WTA. Adele and company have proven that they are not willing to listen to us-perfect example was Kate Lasky's email to her that has gone unanswered for over a month! That is disrespectful and shows just how "collaborative" they are at the DAO. Thank you so much to Jen DeWitt who understands that if we all agree to break our contract they will still screw her next year-wake up people, seriously. And as for the teacher whose husband works at Kodak and has not had a raise in 5 years, I understand your frustration, but were you equally frustrated for teachers when you and your husband were spending his big bonus every year?? I was envious, but didn't demand that you "share the pain and get with reality." It makes no sense to buy their baloney that teachers are worthless slobs who don't deserve our salaries and benefits.
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Be cautious
3/15/2011 10:56:30 am
Anything we say can EASILY be read by AYNONE in district. Is it really wise to openly discuss/share specific strategies? This could come back and "bite us all in the butt"!
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Webster Tax Payer
3/15/2011 11:57:46 pm
"Anything we say can EASILY be read by AYNONE in district. Is it really wise to openly discuss/share specific strategies? This could come back and "bite us all in the butt"!
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Be cautious
3/17/2011 12:36:08 am
I am sure they think so too!
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WTA Member
3/19/2011 11:47:49 pm
It was fantastic to see a sea of blue attire this past Friday.
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3/21/2011 08:13:27 am
In defense of teachers... A must see for all teachers.
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Laid off Teacher
3/22/2011 04:49:46 am
Thanks for that enlightening video... I'll watch it whilst sitting on my couch, not working. Who's in solidarity with me now? My union?
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Keeping it professional
3/23/2011 02:44:36 am
I feel terrible that teachers have started getting their pink slips. I think this is a vindictive move on management's part and it is wrong on so many levels. I am still hoping something can be done to help save their jobs. Soldarity includes everyone. Should we give up our raise? NO! But is that REALLY the only choice out there?????
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Taxpayer
3/23/2011 07:43:01 am
Raise? Seriously? In light the economic environment you feels a raise is still a sticking point? I am surprised that some feels a raise is even appropriate. A concerned taxpayer
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Keeping it FAIR
3/24/2011 05:36:55 am
Dear "Taxpayer:" The district already signed a binding agreement to GIVE us a raise. If you had a legal contract, wouldn't you want that honored? Or would you willingly let someone repo your home even though you make mortgage payments, because it isn't FAIR to some who don't have a nice home? We honor our agreement and keep working; they honor their LEGAL CONTRACT and pay us the agreed upon salary that they already SIGNED OFF on.
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Taxpayer
3/24/2011 08:20:11 am
I realize that you are in a contract. But that is a piece of a paper, thats wise men and women NEGOTIATED. My point was that people act like they exist in a vacumm. Our actions and expectations effect others and in turn will come to effect us (ie bigger classes, less educators, less opportunity for our kids, etc). This sense of urgency in "getting mine" doesnt help! I apologize for my grammar and spelling....my droid makes it difficult with auto spell.
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We Need a Vote
3/24/2011 12:26:51 pm
First of all, thank you Andy Mitchell and others for the open support given to all of us teachers who are being laid off. Your compassion is appreciated.
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scott lasky
3/24/2011 11:22:37 pm
First of all it was me, Scott lasky, that sent the email. After speaking with WTA members and hearing what was said at the general membership meeting, I can confidently say that the WTA is acting in a way that is representing a large majority of the union. Just because we are not doing what you personally feel is right does not mean we are wrong or not representing the union.
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Laid Off Teacher #?
3/25/2011 07:16:57 am
$250 Million will be added to New York education budget. This should save teacher jobs in Webster!!!! Or at least allow the district to hire some more administrators..
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Consider This
3/26/2011 02:58:27 am
Not all members of Adele and Carm's bargaining unit are administrators, and not all of them received the 7% raise. However, all were made to take the concessions that Adele and Carm agreed upon. Make no mistake, DAO does not play fair.
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Wake up
3/26/2011 06:21:33 am
Please, I beg my fellow union members, wake up. Realize that our administrative team know EXACTLY what they are doing in trying to create panic and divide us. WHAT CONCESSIONS HAVE THEY MADE FROM THE TOP DOWN? What comes next, after this year, when they will,once again, want us to "be less greedy/selfish" and make concessions to "save jobs?" I think that Jen DeWitt so eloquently said it all at the general meeting when she told us NOT to make concessions to save her job--THANK YOU JEN, for being brave enough to see the big picture and to see administration for the bullies that they are! Many people have tried to send their suggestions for cost cutting measures-these have fallen into the black hole of the "business office." Do any of you really think that Adele and Carm give a damn what we think/feel/want? THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE AN ACCURATE SENIORITY LIST FOR GOD'S SAKE-WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU? If we cave to their demands our union is going to be so weak that we will never recover. Fellow union members, hold your heads up-we are NOT selfish, greedy, lazy-ass people who don't earn our paychecks. We are professionals with masters degrees, we work diligently to do a good job and provide a high quality education and we have NOTHING to apologize for!
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member behind wta leaders
3/27/2011 09:19:22 am
I saw this in the D & C today and thought it offered an interesting insight-the guy who wrote it happens to describe himself as an ultra conservative-but he is also a teacher and realist...
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