WTA General Membership Meeting Monday March 14, 4-6:30pm

Webster Teachers Association

WTA General Membership Meeting Monday March 14, 4-6:30pm

3/14/2011

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...

1. Don't panic.

2. Have faith in the union that an action plan will be created now that the membership has been heard.

3. Respond to district administration when you are threaten by saying, "I'm uncomfortable with your request please speak with my union leadership."

Keep it simple.

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.

Andy Mitchell

3/14/2011 11:11:12 am

No, not yet.

Throwing out rumors like "I hear Adele is applying to other places" is counterproductive.

Saying that even if we concede, those funds might go to save or even add administrative positions is just a rumor.

I feel like the executive board is treating its members like children who shouldn't have a say in how we respond.

The longer we drag our feet, the more likely it becomes that people we work with daily will lose their jobs.

This isn't panic. It's reality:
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/RCSD-Schools-Face-Dramatic-Cuts/oQeCD7p290-5_EzvIp7Zsg.cspx

http://greeceschool2006.blogspot.com/2011/03/editorial-greece-boe-breaks-promise.html

http://rochesterhomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=238936

How many members of the Executive Board have jobs that are at risk? How many members of the Rep Council? It's easy to stand firm on principle when you have nothing to lose.

I agree wholeheartedly with one point brought up at the meeting: we need to look ahead farther than just this year. WTA's current position is shortsighted.

Jen DeWitte is certainly well within her rights to say "Don't concede." But how about the other 34-39 teachers on the chopping block?

We complain about inefficiencies in the district's budget. But how about inefficiencies in our household budgets? I can certainly get by without my lead teacher stipend and a 2% raise.

Think of it this way: A classroom of 20 kindergartners sit down to a snack, and there are only 19 cookies. Which is more compassionate, cutting a tiny sliver from each of the 19 cookies to give to child number twenty, or telling the last kid to come in, "Sorry, we don't have enough for you"?

Unfortunately, WTA's current position can be summarized in ten words:

Looking out for #1
Dumping rookies like #2

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.

And as for my slice of cookie... I'd gladly give it, not just for "the new teachers for only one year", but for the thousands of STUDENTS that will be changed by that extra slice of cookie, if only for a year.

Mike DiTullio

3/14/2011 11:22:30 pm

To Andy Mitchell:

I think you're missing the point. The WTA is willing to negotiate with the administration. It is management that has staked out the position that concessions must be unilateral and without any sort of collaborative discussions.

I agree that the comment about Adele applying elsewhere may have been in bad form, but Steve presented members with facts. And they are:

1) Adele had until December 1 to notify the WTA that she wanted to re-open negotiations on the contract. She didn't.

2) While attending the workshop in Denver on collaboration, Adele sent an email to the WTA general membership; attempting what is essentially an "end run" around the leadership. This reckless behavior is a clear violation of the Taylor Law.

3) There is no promise that jobs will be saved if the WTA agrees to any give-back. And there has been no promise that there won't be layoffs next year.

4) The state budget is not final, so any discussions about anything related to this year's budget are premature.

5)The existing contract was negotiated in good faith and signed by both parties. In the business community there is a belief in the "sanctity of the contract." The same should apply in this case.

Any other members who can provide more facts are encouraged to do so.

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!

WTA Member

3/15/2011 05:39:25 am

I understand that people will disagree but consider the following:
a) How inept is our district leadership that they know of a financial 'crisis' a month before and try to jam concessions down on throats? Their sole purpose is to create a budget and staff.
b) The 'shortsighted' approach is to give back. No positions are guaranteed to be safe if there is all of the money is given back. Negotiations would become a bloodbath for us, seeing as there is nothing to offer. I could understand making concessions if the district was going to give something back (take away a study hall or help out elementary schedule, report cards, etc), but they offer NOTHING. Unilateral concessions is a door that cannot be closed once it is open.
c) Remember, this is only affecting 35 people out of a group of about 800, less than 5%. We have a flat and/or declining enrollment. While it stinks, it also is a reminder that we can do one of two things: Raise taxes to support our programs or keep the rates low and cut services. It's that simple. The superintendent is making a politically calculated position to keep taxes at bare-bones levels and there are consequences for it. The choice to make cuts is their choice alone.
d) The union DOES NOT determine staffing. Period. If there is a give back, rest assured that the money will go to more district issued Blackberries, out of state conferences, turf fields, $28K bonuses to Jim Austin, 7%ish raises to Fischera, Gumina, etc. Want to know where to get some money back? Try there. What happened to the $10ish million saved on the fields?
e) If a PROGRAM is cut, that is different from a staff cut. Elementary schools have maximum class sizes and high schools have maximum student loads. We agreed to be maxed out when we signed for the contract.
f) Our superintendent, assistant superintendent, and others at DAO will move on within the next 3-10 years, but you will remain. I'd rather our unit be looked upon as a Waterloo as opposed to another step on the way to bigger and better things.

Retirement, college savings, and mortgage plans have been made based on the contract that was signed. If you wanted to do a better job, submit your name and run. People demanded a meeting, even though we haven't had one since our last contract. Now people are demanding more meetings and more votes. What is there to vote on? What else is there to know? If you think management wants to hear your opinion, I've got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. Our union president answered every question that was asked calmly, even if some of the questioners were not. Kudos and keep up the good work.

Concerned WTA Member link

3/15/2011 06:30:51 am

http://blogs.forbes.com/erikkain/2011/03/03/are-teachers-overpaid/

WTA Member

3/15/2011 06:35:36 am

I was not present at Monday's meeting.

I am glad to hear that Steve Turiano fielded questions calmly even if some were emotional in posing their questions/remarks. That is a sign of a TRUE leader and someone that is poised, capable, talented and confident. AMEN!

A few thoughts...

1) Good riddens if Adele leaves. I hope she does look elsewhere. While she is very smart, articulate and charming; I feel like the District has gone downhill since she showed up. When Tom Strining was Superintendent, I felt as if he actually listened to teachers and was willing to hear their views and take them into account. With Adele I don't think she cares what teachers think - the curriculum supervisors only support that it is all about enforcing her agenda.

2) Not a bad idea to consider a private blog for WTA members versus a transparent one...but we all know some goody two shoes will leak it...that is just the truth. We have nothing to be ashamed of as teachers to the community. Parents, students and community members as a whole respect US.

3) Also not a bad idea to ask for a meeting where there are both Steve/union leaders and Adele there to hear on the spot responses from both sides. However, I recall when the high school schedules changed and that was crammed down our throats, Adele and Carm hosted a meeting and dodged questions, did not answer things directly, did not take all questions from WTA members there (maybe 65 ish were) and then they ran out.

4) Very valid point raised also here before about planning for years ahead and not just immediate future. I am sure Steve has thought of this and is in contact with FloAnn Harris, our NYSUT liason about all issues we currently face.

Gotta be honest though - - there are things I would rather say here or to union leaders than to Adele's face in an open forum. I fear retaliation because it is a very real issue in our District right now. This blog is a safe way to anonymously speak out and be brutally honest about issues.

Ok, I have a headache so enough for now.
Keep speaking, listening, thinking, fighting, being informed and engaged. I feel it in my blood that our union will become stronger and more unified from all we've shared with one another over the past few weeks. This is GOOD. We are strong. We are good teachers. We will fight for all that we and our precious students deserve. Hold your head high...we have nothing to be ashamed of. I am proud of many remarks shared on this blog and I am inspired. Thank you union leadership!

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.

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.

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"!

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"!

Naah, keep going it is very interesting.

Be cautious

3/17/2011 12:36:08 am

I am sure they think so too!
LOL

WTA Member

3/19/2011 11:47:49 pm

It was fantastic to see a sea of blue attire this past Friday.

Here is another thought as a means of protest...

Should we collectively decide to NOT participate in the Corporate Challenge this year to make our employer look good to the public because we are fed up with how we are being treated? I can get a cannoli from a lot of other places instead of Carm's grandmother and some tent/meet up area.

Just an idea to toss out there to the group...

WTA Member link

3/21/2011 08:13:27 am

In defense of teachers... A must see for all teachers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzT5iKpxjFA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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?

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?????

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

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.

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.

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.

Steve Lasky said today in an email that as far as he knows, "giving up salary or benefits for jobs is not on the table. Both rep council and exec agree on this."

I could be wrong, but aren't the reps supposed to represent the opinions of their building colleagues? If so, when was the overall opinion of said colleages obtained, and in what manner?

The general membership meeting was disappointing to me, as I was expecting or hoping to have some type of general membership vote ensue after differing viewpoints were shared, in order to give some indication of how membership would like thier leaders to proceed.

I'm not sure what has to happen to allow a vote from the general membership, I believe exec council needs to approve one... but it seems reasonable and appropriate to find out what all of the members, who all pay dues, are willing to concede or not concede...whatever the options...rather than the few speaking on their behalf without asking their opinions.

If the vote was overwhelmingly not to give any type of salary or benefit concessions, so be it, majority rules, and let the discussions begin on that basis. But the opinions of all have not been heard. There are many of us who would be willing to make such concessions- not necessarily exclusively or without some sacrifice from administation, and not only to preserve jobs, but because of the need to give something to get us through this crisis.

Concessions or not, whatever solutions are to be presented, I believe union leaders should be taking the pulse of their entire membership. Even an online vote or survey would do....

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.
I know how it feels to get let go. It happened to me and that is how I ended up here in Webster. I am also sure my position in the WTA has painted a target on my back as well.
If you are unhappy with your union leaders or representatives, just remember you elected them. They can always be voted out at the next election. Also, if more people took an interest in their union on a daily basis instead of just being vocal when they get a bad observation or their job is on the line maybe we would get more than one person to run for each position.
Finally, I feel I have served my time and will not be running for reelection when my term is completed. I didn't accept this position with the expectation that it would be a glorious job. However, having unit members accuse me of not represented them based on B.S. facts the superintendent is feeding them quite frankly sucks. Last time I checked it was not the WTA that doesn't value your job and was handing out pink slips.

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..

Check the link below.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/new_york_senate_gop_250m_in_sc.html

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.

I thank God that we have a union to support us; many of our Webster brethren are not so lucky. I have spoken to several members of our community who had once worked for our district, but who were bullied and ultimately dismissed by Carm. All of them were staff members who were outside of WTA protection, and had no one to turn to for assistance in dealing with unfair treatment by administration.

This past week I have been sickened by the way administration has treated members of WTA. What purpose did it serve to meet with staff members individually to tell them they were fired? It did nothing except to upset those directly affected, and those staff members that care deeply for them. DAO is incredibly cunning and calculating. They are doing nothing but creating a state of incredibly high emotions that are tearing our union apart from the inside out. And, if we are not careful, they will succeed.

As far as I understand it, our union leadership is willing to work with DAO in coming up with fiscally responsible ways to save money. I don't understand why they don't want to work with us. I myself sent several ideas to DAO, and I was told in a blanket, impersonal manner that my suggestions will be "forwarded to the business department". I am hopeful that because we have stood strong, and not just immediately made the concessions that we were told we had to make because of an "I told you so" attitude, that they will come to the table with a fresh outlook and work towards some solutions that will ultimately BENEFIT our STUDENTS.

I applaud our union leadership, and I am sorry that they have been under such attack. I appreciate all they are doing, and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please know that you are supported by many, and even if we are not physically with you on Monday, that at least I will be saying many prayers throughout the day that things go well.

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!
Steve,Scott and members of the WTA Leadership team-THANK YOU for doing such an exceptional job, good luck Monday, and the majority of us are behind you 100% to DO THE JOB WE ELECTED YOU TO DO!

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...

billsfan51314450

4:25 PM on March 27, 2011

This comment is hidden because you have chosen to ignore billsfan51314450. Show DetailsHide Details

Roadlizard:
No offense, but the private sector is sucking us dry as bad as the public sector right now. Between all the BS going on in the finance and banking sector that threw us into the recession, the amazing amount of corporate welfare and tax breaks to big business, the fraud and destruction of employee retirement plans, the shady dealings that have created unprecedented volatility in the stock market, and the propensity of companies to outsource any and all jobs to foreign nations (and don't blame labor unions here, as we all know that unionized and non-unionized jobs are being outsourced), it is obvious that the private sector is just as much, if not more, to blame for today's issues. Let's be honest, if it wasn't for the private sector created recession, we wouldn't be having this discussion about public sector compensation. Back in the 80's, 90s, and early 2000's, when private sector workers were given generous raises, 10% bonuses, stock options, matching 401K contributions, expense accounts, etc., nobody cared about us. In fact, people laughed at the salaries we made. Nobody offered to share more of that wealth with us, just gave us the same old 3-4 percent cost of living increase and then maybe another percent or two every 3-4 years when our contract was up But we went into teaching b/c we loved it and we at least knew that our benefits/retirement were taken care of. Now that the private sector is struggling, we are expected to give back. Too few ask the welfare recipient to give back, or the special interests, or the multi-billion $ corporation that pays 5% income tax.
As I said before, this is true middle class warfare. The interests on both sides are hiding this. Businesses don't want to take any blame, and the government does not want to stop any spending. The only people being looked out for are business leaders, politicians, and union leaders. And as long as we continue to fight with each other , this will never change

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Christine Dunne WTA Media PR & Webmaster
I deleted an offensive post 3/27/11 by "hawk." Keep it professional people - disagree, debate, add your opinions. But your arguments are much stronger without profane language and insults.

I added this blog so our nearly 800 teachers could upload their ideas and comments in a central location rather than "replying to all" in their buildings. Posting these great ideas to this blog could encourage healthy discourse, engaging the faculty of all 11 Webster schools.
I ask that we do so in a professional and thoughtful manner. NOTE: If you prefer to remain annonymous, please simply use your initials or WTA Member when asked for your name.