Once mighty teacher union's influence on wane [The vote of FL teachers: Up for grabs]

The St. Petersburg Times ^ | March 25, 2002 | STEPHEN HEGARTY and KELLY RYAN GILMER

[summer]

Speaking as a FL certified teacher -- and, a former union member -- I beieve what this article says is almost exactly what I have been saying here on FR for more than a year now.

The teacher's union in FL is ineffective, and teachers are fed up with this union.

And, the GOP lawmakers HAVE taken teacher considerations into account, and new teachers in FL see little reason to shell out so much money to a union that does so little. (Also, the liability insurance now provided to all public school teachers at no cost to the teachers, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Bush, gives new teachers even less incentive to join a union.) Meanwhile, the union officials making $100K per year are buddies with the school administrators, who likewise make the big bucks.

In short: The vote of FL teachers IS up for grabs. And, that is what I have believed for quite awhile now!

[summer]

FYI.

[summer]

Bumping for index.

[LarryLied]

The teacher's union in FL is ineffective

Thank God for small favors. Hope some teachers realize that to obtain the respect as a profession they yearn for, joining a militant left wing union is not the way to go.

[summer]

FYI.

[summer]

Tell your pal, "rook" -- from article:

"Gov. Jeb Bush, Republican lawmakers and, increasingly, business interests are more aggressive [than the union] about identifying public education's shortcomings and pursuing solutions."

[Jonathon Spectre]

"Young people are not as prone to join things," said Florida Education Association president Maureen Dinnen.

How about, "Young people are not as prone to join anti-competitive organizations that resist every effort to certify that their members are competent and capable professionals"? That sounds more appropriate, and truthful. I've known since the first day I decided to become a teacher I'd not join any damned union. I don't require a collective to speak for me and I'm more than willing to let my ability and my merits determine my rewards.

[summer]

Dinnen listened as J. Stanley Marshall of the conservative James Madison Institute outlined a plan for dealing with Florida's "union-related problems" before a legislative committee last year.

"It was something we suspected, but all of a sudden there it was, right in front of our faces -- this animosity," Dinnen said.

And, BTW, Ms. Maureen Dinnen, what about the non-stop animosity the union has shown toward this current governor -- who has actually done quite a bit, in a variety of ways, to financially help all the teachers in this state? Why do you insists on misinforming teachers, spending union dues on false billboard ads and false radio ads, and engaging in other divisive tactics? Why did you fail to provide him an interview appointment for a possible endorsement, so that he has a fair chance to be heard about what he has done for teachers?

The animosity in this state against this governor by the union is uncalled for, and does nothing to help your case.

[WileyC]

I thought the best point (in that it kills two birds with one stone) was to privatize a lot of 'school functions' like cafeteria and bus drivers. You get better, cheaper service AND you get a body blow against the union. Win-win!

[Redbob]

It's interesting that teachers are finally catching on to the fact that unions are homes to those who individually have no marketable skills of their own, and that capable, intelligent people have no need of a union.

[EdReform]

The NEA is next

Let's Help Nail the Teachers Unions -- It is National FReep Time

NEA plays politics illegally, foe says

Education News Bump

[doug from upland]

Do those in the union know their right to demand an accounting of their dues and a return of that portion used for political purposes?

[summer]

Doug, Many of those in the union don't even know about laws Gov Bush passed to help them. But, there is a forum you can go to tell them. Check out www.teachinflorida.com. Go to the drop-down menu in the top right hand corner, and click on Teacher's Lounge. I think that's a new forum option on that site.

[Holden Magroin]

I believe Florida has the ideal conservative government, but why haven't Jeb Bush and company enacted a paycheck protection law to require union bosses to obtain written consent from union members before spending their dues on politics? This could help stop McBride.

[summer]

Actually that has come up a few times, and I believe Governor Bush calls it "Paycheck Protection" -- I don't know its current status, but I do know the opposition calls it "paycheck deception." I disgree with the opposition on that. People should not be forced to donate to a political party.

[1Old Pro]

Hopefully this union decline will spread to other states.

[Bob J]

Excellent news!

[Salvation]

Index again

[hchutch]

You know, all the GOP has to do is hold on a little longer, and the Democratic coalition will self-destruct.

[houston1]

You get better, cheaper service
cheaper-yes, better-not necessarily, I've seen a few govt. orgs. in my area try to privatize thier operations only to have to back track and rehire permanent employees because the $7 temps who took over either couldn't do the job, or didn't care enough to try for the money they were paid. For example Wackenhut just abandoned a new "private" prison they just built in my old county in PA, after concluding that they couldn't run it cheaper or better than the county had, they lost money every year trying, plus had a lot more problems with the inmates. Sometimes privitization is not the answer.