Re “When Did ‘Union’ Become a Four-Letter Word in Culver City?”
The Spinmaster is back at it again. If it’s Monday, it must be David Mielke, President of the Teachers Union, trying to spin the facts into something that somehow favors his beloved, the union.
Mr. Mielke writes that he is surprised at the anti-union rhetoric he’s been hearing. This is the same David Mielke who, when it suited him during budget cuts, was the leader of the anti-administration rhetoric. I’m guessing that Mr. Mielke has forgotten his own anti-administration stance when he acts like Rodney King and asks, Can’t we all just get along?
No, Mr. Mielke, we can’t. Not with you in charge favoring the union over the children. It’s as simple as that.
First, let’s clear up one misperception that you have been spinning for years. You and your union didn’t save the District millions of dollars by agreeing to furlough days. By agreeing to furlough days, you and your union saved your members from a pay cut. You and your union saved some members from losing their jobs.
Quit asking the District and the parents to thank you and your union for agreeing to take furlough days. Furlough days only meant that you worked less and our children went to school fewer days. that That way, your pay wasn’t cut,= and your members didn’t find themselves looking for jobs. If you truly cared about the children, you would have agreed to pay cuts, as many other businesses have, and not reduced the school year. Then again, who actually believes you when you say that it’s all about the students?
The union’s most recent action, trying to eliminate parent-funded assistants in the classroom, does nothing positive for the students. Neither you or Ms. Hamme, President of the Assn. of Classified Employees, can give a reasonable explanation about how the union’s actions are going to help the students. If it is all about the students and not about the unions, why do you insist on fighting the parents and limiting the students’ chances to learn? I have read everything you have written, but I’ve never read an answer to that simple question.
My school golden rule is a bit different than yours. Always treat the students as you would like to be treated. Can you say you follow that rule? Didn’t think so.
Mr. Hernandez may be contacted at luvtodance@fastmail.fm
