Re “An Encouraging Note On Teacher Contract Talks”
David Mielke, the President of the Teachers Union, states:
“While many teachers believe that we should take furlough days when kids are present so that parents and community members feel the pain, too… ”
I don't know where to start with this comment.
I'd like to sit down with any teacher who thinks parents need to feel any MORE pain than we already do.
I hope that Mr. Mielke's statements are only his, and do not represent the opinion of the majority of our teachers.
I understand that he is negotiating here. Hyperbole will hopefully (for his constituents) lead to a more favorable bargaining position. However, teachers do not exist in a bubble.
In terms of feeling pain, I suggest Mr. Mielke re-evaluate his posturing, as myself, and I'm sure scores of other Culver City residents who have children taught by his constituents, are feeling much more pain than our teachers.
I, like most others, pay for my own health care, life insurance and retirement plan AFTER my employer hands me my paycheck.
I have no guarantees. I, like most others, work long days and nights. I still took a 25 percent pay cut last year.
My wife and many other dedicated parents and community members volunteer countless hours at our schools. We do it so that our teachers have the best opportunity to teach our children at the highest level.
I'm also puzzled at the comment that “our community members (should) feel the pain.” I consider the passage of an added parcel tax as part of pain absorption.
I also consider the numerous donations of goods, services and money by our business community members as a way of sharing the pain.
I'm just troubled by what appears to be a self-serving attitude by Mr. Mielke. I'd like to think that we're all in this together, dealing with a very difficult situation. Few people are in a position to bargain right now. In my opinion, the true victims are our kids.
Teachers are not the only ones making sacrifices today. To dictate to the public that we need to feel the pain that they are going through is just as ridiculous as me saying the teachers should share in my pain.
Mr. Mielke, I was up until 1:30 a.m. working last night, and I will be working another 14 hours today. How about you?
Mr. O’Brien may be contacted at beverlyanddan@aol.com
