Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 2:27 AMBy: Lois High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union This story is very interesting. Is it important? As an employee of CPS I pay over $800 a year to the Union. Regardless of whether I voted for Stewart and Dallas, they were elected, now Stewart is taking away Dallas's voice (an elected official) and giving the voice to Dykas (not an elected official). The Union leadership is incompentent, and hopefully next elections the membership will tell them no more and vote them out. Time will tell. Meanwhile the Union meetings are run by Gail Kaufman and Colleen Dykas. If you timed who had the most minutes speaking at the Union meetings Gail or Colleen would probably have more than the officers except for the officer's reports. During the question and answer periods the officers usually refer these issues to either Gail Kaufman. One gets the impression that the ones really running things are not the elected officials but these others hired staff or consultants. Just my opinion.

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 9:46 AMBy: Concerned High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Way to keep that letter out of "general circulation"! Good job, Arne!

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 11:18 AMBy: Elwood High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Lois is absolutely correct about the House meetings. The vast majority of questions are answered from the floor; mainly Koffman & Dykas (occasionally - the perky Ms. Doubleday, the lethargic Ms. Blaszczyk, the always entertainingly rude Ms. Marrarsky, and formerly but now missing from the A list, Ms. Sheffer.
There are a few other resource people called on to answer questions; Ardito is solid, Wigler is a knowledgeable but too self-serving ... one would think the he with the help of the New UPC had credited the Quest Center.
The only questions that 3 out of the 4 officers can consistently answer are the ones that are scripted for the shills in the audience. The lone Ms. McGuire can think on her feet and accurately answer a question.
Now – I’ve been in the House for years. There have always been shills from all factions; there have always been coat-tail elected, ill-equipped officers but the current theatrical show of ineptitude at the highest level is the hands down winner for ham-fisted leadership.

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 12:04 PMBy: Ask Marilyn High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union There is some word that the recent dues increase idea was initiated by Marilyn and quite possibly illegal. The general membership needs to vote for any dues increase.

Did that happen?

Marilyn Stewart, President
leadership@ctulocal1.com

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 2:22 PMBy: Tom High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Well Alexander you have a hot story, you get big credit. I know a lot of people saw Marilyn and Ted along with the rest of UPC marching together like drones. Apparently that may not be the case. I honestly think if both existing CTU caucuses collapased the union would be better off.

Given the situation we find are in with the current contract there is not much that can be done. But I would like to see a whole new cast of characters involved in our union, particularly people in their late 20s and in their 30s. We have too many people leading us that are too close to retirement and creates a different out look, a willingness to make deals that will get us by for a few years and not look out ten years or more.

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 3:48 PMBy: observer not union member, but.. High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've always thought that Marilyn was put on the UPC slate to play the Charlie McCarthy to Dallas' Edgar Bergen (if you all remember Bergen the ventriloquist and his puppet, Charlie). I assumed a white man who taught high school couldn't hold the top of the ticket and Marilyn was brought in to bring in the African-American and elementary votes.

To me it looks like the puppet pulled off her strings. I don't know if it's good or bad for the union, but it sure is interesting.

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 4:25 PMBy: Where is PEP information? High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Where is the PEP information? I have contacted CTU and the pension board-both point at the other. If a teacher wants to retire under PEP, CPS must be notified by March 1, 2008. How can anyone make an informed decision if one does not have the information which has yet to be printed in the mysterious contract book. It is six weeks until March 1, 2008 which is not a lot of time in which to decide and the decision is irrevocable. One would think the pension board would be more proactive since their salaries are paid by teachers. One would assume the union would have filed a legal motion against CPS for withholding information. One would think CPS would want this information given out just to get rid of those who make the highest salaries. Eighteen hundred teachers retired last year and some are teaching in other systems. As usual, common sense does not prevail and the employees are treated like guano.

Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 2:36 AMBy: George N. Schmidt High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union I called yesterday trying to confirm that the letter was authentic. Earlier in the year, when I was running for retiree vice president (I lost), the UPC sent out a letter supporting one of my opponents, and two of the three people who "signed" the letter told me they had not "signed" anything. This wouldn't be the first time, for whatever reasons, that something like this circulated but was not authentic. Has Marilyn Stewart actually acknowledged that she sent this Christmas Letter to Arne Duncan?

Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 12:43 PMBy: Dismembered High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Did anyone even notice how Stewart signed the letter to Duncan? "In Solidarity, Marilyn Stewart"? Just exactly when did Arne Duncan become a card carrying member of the CTU? Were they in "Solidarity" during our contract negotiations? Having attended the August House meetings, and reading Stewart's letter, one can only assume the worst.
As far as the contents of the letter itself, rumor at the delegates meeting has it that Dallas was stripped of his powers because he was holding the CTU office employees accountable. Evidently, some of the Stewart cronies wanted to return to the "Good Old Country Club Days." Some of us veterans remember when you called the union offices only to wait weeks before your Field Rep. decided to come into work that day. (Most likely they would come in to pick up their hard-earned paychecks)

Someone posted a Charlie McCarthy/ Edgar Bergen analogy. They were right on target. The ventriloquist is none other than the Mayor of Park Forest/Chicago Union Teacher Executive Editor/ Chief of Staff of the Union Office.
Just how does Mr. Ostenburg fit all those titles on his business card? One card I can tell you that is not in his wallet is his CTU member card. He has never been a member!! Who is holding Stewart aaccountable for her actions? I voted in the last election. It does not seem fitting that my elected official appoint individuals who are not even in the union.
I am anxiously awaiting the next issue of Substance. George Schmidt should increase sales by ten-fold.

Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 4:30 PMBy: 1.04 High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Something wrong



I hope somebody can confirm this letter. It just seems way too out of line to be true.

Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 6:37 PMBy: George N. Schmidt High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union I just went over to our e-mail mailbox, and had a confirmation that the Marilyn Stewart Christmas Letter about Ted Dallas is authentic from John Ostenburg. I had e-mailed him when we received a copy of the document.

I also got confirmation regarding Marilyn Stewart's time in New York City.

1. She was introduced at the Delegate Assembly but did not speak.

2. The New York delegates were told that Marilyn was in New York City to "visit charter schools".

3. UFT president Randi Weingarten did note that Marilyn and CTU supported the "Illinois favorite son candidate" in the Democratic Party race.

But my earlier statement about Marilyn speaking was not accurate. She was there and was introduced, but did not speak.

Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 10:31 PMBy: curious High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union How can I get out of the union?

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 8:13 AMBy: Jesse Sharkey High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Curious,
You can quit the union. But since you can't opt out of having union-negotiated pay, benefits, pension, a grievance procedure, etc... you still have to pay for those things, even if you quit the union. In other words, you have to pay an 'agency fee' which is the same as dues.

The easiest way to really get out of paying dues is to get a job at a non-union school! Of course, you may not like the reduction in rights, pay, etc. that go along with working at a non-union school.

It's not unlike being frustrated with CPS; quitting it might be the easiest thing to think of, and it might appeal to your sense of frustration, but it won't make anything better.

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 9:51 AMBy: Disgusted High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union This last posting is pretty libelous. It is also heresay and could be attributed to disgruntled staffers. I think we should be a little more careful about what we post here. Are they going to start having a running battle on this blog? For shame! The members are the ones who will decide this outcome, not staffers.

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 10:30 AMBy: porky High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Sorry, Diana, but things have to be false to be libelous.

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 10:42 AMBy: the news - fact vs. fiction High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union porky -- You do know it is illegal for a superior to threaten someone with termination if they do not align themselves with a certain person within a work environment. Since you have an ear on the office news why don't you tell the readers here what Marilyn has been doing that last few weeks in her private meetings with office staff.

I can not say because I was not there.

What did she say to Ardito the other day?

Come on porky tell the truth now. We want the facts since you love telling the truth.

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 10:51 AMBy: the news - DUES INCREASE High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union porky

Is that dues increase true?

Did Marilyn get a green light from the AFT in November?

Did Marilyn slip it in the last House meeting?

Come on porky we want the truth.

The Truth

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 11:06 AMBy: the news - post the documents High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union porky post the documents. Are you talking about the memo where Marilyn asserts her right to take control of the office?

Is it true then that Marilyn is having "one-on-one" meetings with staff members the last few weeks?

What does your source say about the special meetings?

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 11:18 AMBy: porky High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union I don't want to get in an argument with anybody. I just posted what I was told and showed. Marilyn, Debbie, Reese all had problems in my book. But I personally think Dallas is worse than all of them put together. No more from me.

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 12:50 PMBy: joe High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Just a note teachers, you pay $800 a year in union dues and then when you need the union to represent you in matters they can decide if they want to represent you; or better yet, they can represent you and when your case continues on they can they decide to drop you! It happened to me and they have no shame whatsever to just leave you hanging!

Sat Jan 19, 2008 at 7:48 PMBy: Billy Bragg was wrong High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union There Is Power In A Union

There is power in a factory, power in the land
Power in the hand of the worker
But it all amounts to nothing if together we don't stand
There is power in a Union

Now the lessons of the past were all learned with workers blood
The mistakes of the bosses we must pay for
From the cities and the farmlands to trenches full of mud
War has always been the bosses way, sir

The Union forever,defending our rights
Down with the blackleg,all workers unite
With our brothers and our sisters from many far-off lands
There is power in a Union

Now I long for the morning that they realise
Brutality and unjust laws cannot defeat us
But who'll defend the workers who cannot organise
When the bosses send their lackeys out to cheat us?

Money speaks for money,the Devil for his own
Who comes to speak for the skin and the bone?
What a comfort for the widow,a light to the child
There is power in a Union

The Union forever,defending our rights
Down with the blackleg,all workers unite
With our brothers and our sisters together we will stand
There is power in a Union

Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 10:30 AMBy: karping High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Get over yourself, George! I'm sick of reading everything about I, I, I, me, me, me.

Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 11:41 AMBy: reality check High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union truth is, there's not much anyone can do about the current CTU leadership, right?

i mean, other than mounting a recall or something -- which may not even be allowed (does anyone know?)

so the real question is whether the current leadership can be pressured or persuaded to get its act together to the extent that the concerned comments here represent the rank and file

-- alexander

Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 5:00 PMBy: Suspicious High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Well Stewart better get her in house together. What will Dallas tell about what goes on in Stewart office or maybe U.S. Atty?

Mon Jan 21, 2008 at 4:55 PMBy: the OTHER marilyn memo High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union george and two other folks have sent me this 12-17 memo, which CTU-watchers will enjoy parsing.

in it, marilyn s. asserts a broad and exclusive legal authority over the organization (which suggests her authority has been challenged), expresses regret but not responsibility for unspecified things that have gone wrong since her re-election in may, and -- previewing the letter she would send to arne duncan a few days later -- stripping VP Ted Dallas of several reports.

check it out -- and thanks a ton to those who sent it in -- alexander

CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION
Office of the President

"M E M O R A N D U M

TO: All Chicago Teachers Union Officer, Administrators, Staff
FROM: President Marilyn Stewart
DATE: December 17, 2007
SUBJECT: Changes in Day-to-Day Operations of Administrative Office

Today I am announcing some significant changes in the day-to-day operations of the administrative offices of the Chicago Teachers Union. These changes are intended to enhance employee effectiveness in fulfilling job responsibilities, to promote increased staff moral [sic], and to correct some situations that have occurred in the past. I believe the changes we are making open new opportunities for our Union in fulfilling its mission to serve our members who work in the Chicago Public Schools.

Before detailing specifics, I want to call attention to Section I of Article VI of the By Laws of the Chicago Teachers Union. That section deals with the job duties, responsibilities, and authority of each of the officers that the membership has elected. The portion pertaining to the President clearly states that I am "the chief administrative officer of the Union and shall have responsibility for general supervision of the functioning of the Union in all of its parts." Furthermore, Article VII of the By Laws, in listing the duties of the Executive Committee of the Union [which consists of the five officers plus the chairperson of the Board of Trustees] clearly states that I do not share the authority of my office with the other elected officers: "Nothing in this article shall be construed as a limitation on the powers of the President as Chief Executive Officer of the Union."

Because I take seriously my responsibilities as President of this Union, I am disappointed that some things have occurred that are not in the best interest of our organization, its members, or its employees. The membership reaffirmed its faith in me by a significant election margin last May. I have an obligation to the membership to perform my duties in the best manner possible, and that obligation dictates that I take the following action:

(1) As of today, I am affirming my role as the Union's chief administrative officer and I am informing all of you that the general supervision of the functioning of this Union, in all of its parts, is solely my responsibility.
(2) As of today, I am affirming that the other officers' duties and responsibilities are those that are stated specifically in the By Laws of the Union, and nothing more unless I specifically assign additional duties to them individually.
(3) Specifically at it relates to the Office of the Vice President, that officer's only responsibilities at this time are — as directed by the By Laws — to chair the Policies Committee, and to attend such meetings as I may ask him to attend, with the responsibility to report back to me immediately regarding such meetings.
(4) The previous flow chart for the Union is rescinded as of today, until a new flow chart is created, those areas of that previously reported to the Vice President [i.e., Office Manager, Personnel, Grievance Department, Teacher Field Representatives, PSRP Field Representatives] will report directly to the Office of the President. The Recording Secretary will continue to be the Officer serving as liaison to the Quest Center; the Financial Secretary and Treasurer will continue to be the Officers serving as liaisons to the Financial Department.
(5) As of today, the position of Officer Liaison is re-titled as Chief of Staff; the Chief of Staff reports directly to the President and functions on behalf of the President as regards general management of the Union's administrative office.
(6) All employees are to realize that ignoring these directives — even if asked to do so by another officer of the union — constitute insubordination to the President.
(7) The use of abusive language in any communications between or among officers, administrators, or staff members at any level, whether written or oral, will not be tolerated within the administrative offices of the Chicago Teachers Union.
(8) No employee should be led to believe that a financial contribution to a political, charitable, or social organization, or to any other entity, is a condition for employment, or continued employment, by the Chicago Teachers Union.

great stuff -- keep sending it in. CPS folks, too -- the latest crazy memo from your AIO or from central? we all want to see it. we need to see it.

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 12:30 AMBy: George N. Schmidt High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Solidarity forever. Solidarity forever. Solidarity forever.
For the union makes us strong...

This is breathtaking.

Marilyn goes after the people who put her in power after

(a) they elect her, behind as much hanky panky as possible in May, and then

(b) bring in the "votes" for the contract on behalf of Mayor Daley's dream union contract between the August House meeting ("Nobody votes No in My Union!") and the September 10 "referendum".

Once that's all in place she acts with vigor. The two events (her "landslide election" and the contract "approval") give CPS the green light to rip off the members via

the "People Soft" (i.e., CPS) payroll system,

Compstat,

"High School Transformation,"

the latest round of special education atrocities,

and the upcoming school closings (tune in this Wednesday).

While everyone is getting pounded in the schools, Marilyn Stewart decides to play Donald Trump. It's clear (to her and her inner circle) that the real problem is inside the walls of the union's expensive Merchandise Mart offices, and certainly not where her members are getting knocked around, ripped off, and abused. So while crooning "Solidarity Forever" to CEO Arne Duncan, she acts decisively (as CEO of CTU) to confront the real problems facing the Chicago Teachers Union -- the people who put her in power and kept her there until she brought the union down with this five-year Daley Deal.

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 7:49 AMBy: Retired teacher High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union I am deeply disturbed by the recent posting on this Blog. The level of infighting that is indicated is without precedent in my 35 years with the Union. I used to attend Union members as a bystander but it is clear in recent meetings that we are not welcome. What are they trying to keep secret? The dues pass through is something that was approved years ago. When I was delegate, I urged members to vote against it and retain the right for members to vote on any increase but the members went along with the request from the leadership at the time.

I think the members should demand to see the full contract and if it is not provided within a month then they should file a complaint with the AFT and with the Labor Board. I am not sure if the AFT will act since they seem to support the current leadership but the Labor Board should since Union members have the right to see the document which controls their working conditions. Once the full document is provided then the members can decide what their next step should be. Any member who requests it should also have a right to a copy of the Union rules and regulations so that they can see what recourse is open to them if they feel that the current leadership is not meeting their needs. In my mind, the Union is supposed to support democracy not do everything they can to curtail it.

A disillusioned member

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 8:54 AMBy: IhatetheUPC High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union So now Marilyn is the "Queen of Everything". Too bad she isn't the queen of negotiations, pay raises, job security. She has the two jobs (CTU and IFT)and the big pay from the two jobs. Maybe she thinks she's going to be the AFT chief.
Recalling any of them is going to require a recall amendment to the constitution. Anybody think we can do that when we can't even get an honest vote count?
We are set until 2012 when there won't be one public school left in Chicago but the UPC will still be solidly entrenched representing the 20,000 charter school teachers who are happily working for $20,000 a year and no benefits.

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 2:07 PMBy: disappointed, but not surprised High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Last year when the UPC (sans Marilyn) came to my high school, all the teachers assked questions regarding the new contract and the possibility of a strike. They ignored all our questions saying the only important thing was to give them an overwhelming vistory so they had a strong bargaining position. What a joke!

Now when they should be concerned about presenting a united front over our lost sick days and doubly taxed extended pay they are fighting amongst themselves instead. They may as well run for public office in Chicago. They already know how to make all kinds of promises when they want your vote but they disappear when the real work needs to be taken care of.

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 3:47 PMBy: Tom High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union I agree that increasing the number of lower paid charter school teachers can drive down the salary levels of teachers if their numbers continue to increase. I also agree that the letter exposing what could be an internal conflict in our union is not in the interests of teachers.

But we all need to understand that while charter and contract teachers do not recieve the salary and benefits that CTU members do, their salaries are not incrediably below the market rate for teachers. Many charter school teachers are also not planning on being professional teachers, I base this on the high number of Teach for America progam members that have taken these jobs. Many if not most of these TFAs see teaching as a good thing, but more like a stop along the path of life, which may include numerous other professions.

This outlook creates a very different perspective on their salaries. These TFA teachers are very likely to say, well education was a good experience and now I have to go out and make more money with a different job. Those of us who went to colleges of Education I think have a very different out look, we are in this for the long run and want the best working conditions and salaries possible because this is what we are likely going to be doing for many years.

Marilyn for example simply could not understand a TFA type, all she has ever done is teach, she does not understand their experience and hence can not possibly bring these teachers into our union. Many of the charter teachers are going to find themselves stuck teaching, and when they realize they do not have other job options they may come around to joining a union. Maybe not the CTU. But by then it may too late, we may effectively be broken as a union.

Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 9:58 PMBy: Kugler - Stolen Identities Promises High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union joe

need to get in line with those broken promises.

Remember those stolen laptops?

Well that year of protection is over?

Where is our 7 years protection CTU promised?

Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 1:05 AMBy: George N. Schmidt High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union In the USA, the two things a union does (the bedrock activities, so to speak) are (a) negotiate a contract for its members and (b) enforce that contract.

While the muck of office politics at CTU is fun and leads to a great many historical questions that have not been answered, the big questions about the CTU at this point in time (January 2008) are about contract existence and contract enforcement.

Marilyn Stewart has not provided the members with a contract, and it's been nearly five months since she announced (at a press conference involving the mayor's people) on August 30 that the union had reached a deal. At that point, every page of the deal should have been initialed and ready to go. That latest the deal would have been held back in its entirety was September 10 (when the referendum was held -- or supposed to be held -- in all schools that had CTU members).

Five years ago this month (January 2004) Marilyn and her colleagues were screaming (literally, at House meetings) that Debbie Lynch had not yet gotten the contract printed and distributed. And the "Lynch contract" had only been finalized in December 2003 (after the second referendum, the first in September having been a rejection).

All CTU members have had since September is the handout Marilyn gave delegates in September with the "highlights" of the agreement and some language, but since no one has received the actual contract ("the book") who knows what's in it?

Well, not completely true. It seems the Board and principals know what's in it, even if Marilyn is keeping it secret from the members.

Apparently the new contract book says that CPS can continue not paying, underpaying, and inaccurately paying a large number of CTU members (the "People Soft" excuse) for as long as they want.

Marilyn's book also (apparently) says that people covered by the contract are getting hit with a lot of additional stealth costs on their medical, dental, vision, and other health issues.

The Marilyn Stewart contract also says that CPS can pay people who work extra ("overtime" we used to call it) are being paid less than they were last year.

And apparently it says that the union's staff should spend most of its time telling the union's members there is nothing they can do about the numerous indigniities and outrages that come daily from many principals.

I'm sure other members can add to the list from various parts of town. It seems, for example, that some principals know they can force teachers to work extra without pay (parent open houses, etc.) because they know either that the CTU has become a toothless tiger, or because the contract says they can.

Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 10:05 AMBy: CeCi High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Marilyn needs to do a press conference and confront these allegations and problems head on. If she truly is taking control - do it! Show us your strength, knowledge and committment; not only to your members but to the principles of UNIONISM! We voted for you and your team. Get it together! Sit down and talk, negotiate. Get over yourselves and get on with the real business at hand - Union business!

Its time for our elected officals to do battle with CPS. Enough is enough. CPS keeps giving excuses, but never follows through with results. Only more excuses. Time to take real action. Time to show the Board our true strength. Time to take action; a rally, a walk-out, a work stopage - SOMETHING!

Lets show the board and the public our UNITED strength, not weakness or in-fighting.

WE ARE UNION.

Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 8:06 PMBy: There ought to be a law against crazy ducks! High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union porky

since you started looking into some closets have you heard of........
..............................................................

I will give you a hint has to with getting extra money.

You do have one lifeline!

Oh, shucks, Mr. Mayor, 'tweren't nothing. J-Just blew some corn right through this horn.

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 3:57 AMBy: crazy duck High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union the new and improved ctu office reporter.

porky do you give up with that question?

time is running out.

Hint number two: special events.

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:57 AMBy: Charlie High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Hi Tom...Charter school teachers are not all being paid less than CTU/CPS teachers. I can't speak for all charter schools, but I know that at least two of them keep their promise of paying at or above the CPS scale to all of their certified teachers. It wouldn't make any sense for them to pay less, all of their teachers would then eventually leave for a better CPS school.

The idea that charters pay less though is in my experience mostly a myth, probably cooked up and propigated by CTU to keep their members from jumping ship. Same goes for charters having horrible benefits packages.

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 12:10 PMBy: crazy duck High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Nick Cannella you have won the grand prize.

not only are you the winner of rumors, innuendos and office stories but you can no breathe easy that you identity has been lifted.(porky)

So let's get the story straight: rumor has it that you use your position as special events coordinator to hire vendors that give you kickbacks. That is why we had our after meeting food switched to the Erie Cafe.

Fact or Fiction?

You be the judge.

Judge?

Patrick where are you?

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 1:00 PMBy: crazy duck High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union there is evidence. all you have to is trace the vendors nick has contracted with like they did with the hired truck scandal.

I am sure one of the vendors when facing a subpoena they would be more than happy to tell what they had to pay to get event contracts from the union.

substance -- ask the staff "off the record" who controls the special event vendors and ask if there is any oversight or accountability to what or how it is spent.

Fact

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 2:23 PMBy: Dismembered High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union George Schmidt,
After reading this blog over the last few days, I can't wait to read your response to Crazy Duck's comments about Porky.
What do your sources have to say?

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 9:53 PMBy: Dallas Cheerleader High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union The buzz around the watercooler, claims that Stewart can’t make a decision and stick with it. This is contrary to the focused, competent, and solely member-driven Dallas.

Stewart conveniently forgot her role within the Union. Dallas must have placed her as a figurehead in the 2003 Dallas led caucus. It must be Dallas who is the brains behind the day-to day operations of the CTU. In fact, the 12/17 memo sent by Stewart clearly confirms it.
Can anyone comment on this?

I’ve heard that Dallas in his career has filed over 100 grievances as a delegate and part-timer. (I’m sure this can easily be verified)
Does anyone know how many grievances Stewart filed as a teacher or delegate? I hear Stewart service to the CTU prior to being president was passing out badges at the House Meetings. Does anyone know that for sure?

Dallas must be hard-core union. I’m sure he expects all others around him to work as hard as him.
So the guy yells at individuals not pulling their weight and who are making the big bucks. After all, it is our dues money and we do want the best service possible when we need it. The members expect Dallas to make the staff work. It’s to the members’ benefit. Wouldn’t you do the same if your 31,000 plus members rights were at stake?
That’s a lot of pressure, but over the years he’s proven that he can handle it.

Certain staffers and their cronies never respected Dallas for his genuine concern for the rank and file.
These staffers and their cronies convinced the feeble character Stewart to go against Dallas. They began filling her with delusions of grandeur. Her head has inflated. “The membership voted ME in.” Welll the first victory against Lynch was part luck, part blue book. The second victory was a no-brainer.
I mean, who would change leadership teams in the middle of contract negotiations?

Stewart’s performance during contract negotiations (she kept falling asleep at the table), the August House Meeting, and the Duncan Christmas letter, all continue to be an embarrassment for the CTU. From what I understand, many members went to Dallas to voice their concerns about Stewart’s leadership abilities. Dallas felt compelled to do something. His concerns fell onto Stewart’s deaf ears.
Don’t the needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few?

Rumors have it,that Dallas wanted Stewart to work in a different capacity within the Union. Stewart must have thought that Dallas planned to eliminate her from everything, so she stripped him of all his authority, out fear of losing popularity within the Dallas led UPC Caucus.

Can I get a little feedback? Much of what I’ve written are bits and pieces I’ve heard at the watercooler from various sources. Perhaps others can corroborate...

Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 9:13 AMBy: Charlie High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union I never claimed to have any high level research, just my own personal experience from two of the larger charter schools in the city. Where I know for a fact that teachers are paid at or above the CPS pay scale. And benefits include health, vision, dental, life insurance and a matched 403b plan (the rate paid for some of the insurance may be a bit higher than CPS, but there are also more options than I remember having with CPS).

The big reason I have strongly preferred charter schools over traditional public schools is that there has been a lot less bureaucratic BS to deal with. There is still a fair amount of BS, but I find it much more palatable.

And just for the record, pardon my cynicism if I tend to look rather critically at any study the union decides to put out about charter school salaries. The same union who has put up poster around the city decrying charters as the evil that is ruining public education, I'm not exactly going to trust as a fair or unbiased source.

As for organizing unions at charter schools, I'm sure in the end, those with poor working conditions and or lower salaries will likely decide to unionize and those with happy teachers will probably do what they can to avoid unions. At least then it should make the choice much clearer which charter schools are treating their employees better than CPS.

Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 10:42 AMBy: Tom High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union The CTU has this salary data and more, so do several other unions, given the fact that some information could lead directly to staff at charter schools who could face being fired it is better not to publicly discuss salary information that does not have a public source.

Some charter schools are paying close to the step level of CPS under the CTU contract, others are not. Most do not give much for advanced education, one gives far more for advanced education than for longevity with the charter, benefits are lower generally, and manadatory work hours (not grading etc) are generally longer. So on an hourly basis even some charters that are close to CPS step levels are actually paying less.

Some of the work requirements are outlined in employee handbooks and individual contracts, some of the contracts have non-disclosure provisions that prohibit public disclosure of the work conditions and benefits contained in those contracts. In some cases on the Boards of these charters are very high powered lawyers from major firms and we have no doubt teachers disclosing information could face litigation for breech of contracts.

Sadly the reality of union organizing requires some level of secrecy.

Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 3:52 PMBy: Tom High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Charlie you are incorrect an employee of a charter school is not a public employee. All charter boards are public bodies, but the actual entity running the charter in some actually many cases is a seperate entity, which may be either for profit or not for profit. In many cases charter school teachers are employed not by the board of the charter but by an EMO.

Charter Boards can be FOIAed and hense any salary information submitted to that body could be FOIAed. Individual contracts where they exist between teachers and an EMO might not be subject to FOIA. Since you have worked for a charter you are aware that many do not have a fixed in stone pay scale, like CPS. Some teachers depending on their individual deal with the EMO or directly with the charter board may have somewhat different salaries.

By the way charter employees are not considered to be public employees pursuant to the charter school law. See 105 ILCS 5/Art. 27A In the code charter school teachers are never referenced to as public employees and the laws pursuant to those employees. Here is the main section relating to charter school teachers:

(a) A person shall be deemed to be employed by a charter school unless a collective bargaining agreement or the charter school contract otherwise provides.
(b) In all school districts, including special charter districts and districts located in cities having a population exceeding 500,000, the local school board shall determine by policy or by negotiated agreement, if one exists, the employment status of any school district employees who are employed by a charter school and who seek to return to employment in the public schools of the district. Each local school board shall grant, for a period of up to 5 years, a leave of absence to those of its teachers who accept employment with a charter school. At the end of the authorized leave of absence, the teacher must return to the school district or resign; provided, however, that if the teacher chooses to return to the school district, the teacher must be assigned to a position which requires the teacher's certification and legal qualifications. The contractual continued service status and retirement benefits of a teacher of the district who is granted a leave of absence to accept employment with a charter school shall not be affected by that leave of absence.
(c) Charter schools shall employ in instructional positions, as defined in the charter, individuals who are certificated under Article 21 of this Code or who possess the following qualifications:
(i) graduated with a bachelor's degree from an
accredited institution of higher learning;

(ii) been employed for a period of at least 5 years
in an area requiring application of the individual's education;

(iii) passed the tests of basic skills and subject
matter knowledge required by Section 21‑1a of the School Code; and

(iv) demonstrate continuing evidence of professional
growth which shall include, but not be limited to, successful teaching experience, attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, additional credits earned at institutions of higher learning, travel specifically for educational purposes, and reading of professional books and periodicals.

Charter schools employing individuals without certification in instructional positions shall provide such mentoring, training, and staff development for those individuals as the charter schools determine necessary for satisfactory performance in the classroom.
Beginning with the 2006‑2007 school year, at least 50% of the individuals employed in instructional positions by a charter school that is operating in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 and that is established on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly shall hold teaching certificates issued under Article 21 of this Code.
Beginning with the 2006‑2007 school year, at least 75% of the individuals employed in instructional positions by a charter school that is operating in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 and that is established before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly shall hold teaching certificates issued under Article 21 of this Code.
Charter schools operating in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 are exempt from any annual cap on new participants in an alternative certification program. The second and third phases of the alternative certification program may be conducted and completed at the charter school, and the alternative teaching certificate is valid for 4 years or the length of the charter (or any extension of the charter), whichever is longer.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the School Code, charter schools may employ non‑certificated staff in all other positions.
(d) A teacher at a charter school may resign his or her position only if the teacher gives notice of resignation to the charter school's governing body at least 60 days before the end of the school term, and the resignation must take effect immediately upon the end of the school term.
(Source: P.A. 93‑3, eff. 4‑16‑03.)

In the section of the law regarding the charter school proposal submitted to ISBE you can read this:

(11) An explanation of the relationship that will
exist between the charter school and its employees, including evidence that the terms and conditions of employment have been addressed with affected employees and their recognized representative, if any. However, a bargaining unit of charter school employees shall be separate and distinct from any bargaining units formed from employees of a school district in which the charter school is located.

In another section the CTU is specifically limited in what it can bargin for in relation to CPS opening charter schools. It reads:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a school district in a city having a population exceeding 500,000 shall not have a duty to collectively bargain with an exclusive representative of its employees over decisions to grant or deny a charter school proposal under Section 27A‑8 of this Code, decisions to renew or revoke a charter under Section 27A‑9 of this Code, and the impact of these decisions, provided that nothing in this Section shall have the effect of negating, abrogating, replacing, reducing, diminishing, or limiting in any way employee rights, guarantees, or privileges granted in Sections 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, and 15 of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act.

Charter schools are exempted from the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act (IELRA) and article 24 of the School Code on the employment of teachers. Section 2 of the IELRA defines teachers who are public employees and charter school teachers are not included.

40 ILCS 5/Art. 17 covering the teachers PENSION AND RETIREMENT FUND for Chicago does not indicate that charter school teachers are public employees. It requires that they be part of the fund based on their certification not on the assumption that they are public employees.

Sat Jan 26, 2008 at 4:41 PMBy: Been around CTU for 7 years High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Cat got your tongue Porky, aka, Cannella? You know, Lynch did some bad things, but the one good thing she did was fire you. Too bad your teamster contract saved your ass. Recently, Stewart and Dallas were going to fire you, and decided to make you work for your huge, undeserving salary. They gave you schools and demoted you to a Field Rep again. Now, if you continue kissing Stewart and Ostenberg's ass, maybe they will slate you as Vice-President in the next election. Bottom line, you should have been terminated long ago. Keep using your lives Felix, they will run out sooner than you think. Maybe you have been instructed to shut your mouth, since your clan thinks nobody reads this blog. Smart move, pussy cat!!

Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 1:41 AMBy: George N. Schmidt High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Our deadlines are approaching again, so this will be a busy week. Our February issue, with a page one story coming off this stuff, will be mailed by February 6.

The rumors and other stuff about Porky and others have to come with documentation before anyone wants to report them as "news" or include them in some analysis. Oddly, then, anyone covering the news that's being discussed here will have to make a phone call and give the man a chance to respond. Remember, I was serious when I suggested that we verify the authenticity of Marilyn Stewart's "Solidarity" letter to Arne Duncan. Both that and the December 17 memo have been verified.

CTU could easily avoid some of these problems with more transparency. For labor unions, that's fairly easy: comply with federal law.

One of the reasons rumors can abound about CTU is that for the present CTU avoids filing the LM-2 report with the U.S. Department of Labor.

How and why CTU avoids the LM-2 requirement should be discussed here, in detail, and in the CTU itself. The annual CTU budget presented to the members via the House of Delegates does not give the detail people who are paying more than $800 per year in union dues deserve.

Although the LM-2 is a burden on the local, it creates a level of transparency that helps, rather than hinders. Everyone at my old SEIU (Local 73) workplace knows that President Christine (Boardman) and Secretary Treasurer Matt (Brandon) earned (pay plus all benefits and perks) more than $100,000 during each of the past three years. Those of us in lesser positions earned less. It's all public information. The LM-2 details every dollar (including, even, the amount paid for executive board members who attend a meeting or two each month).

Now the LM-2 filing for CTU would be very long, because as I read the law CTU would have to itemize the dollars paid to each members of the executive board and house of delegates. But it would help quell any noisome rumors and replace most rumor with fact.

Someone in CTU should propose that CTU comply with the LM-2 requirement, and go back a few years. With that simple policy, about 90 percent of the rumors here could be quashed, with facts instead.

I'm not a member of the House of Delegates right now, but will be reporting this story for months to come. The hope is to get all the facts straight before compiling everything else. Right now, nobody here can even tell precisely the salaries of the more than 60 people employed, full or part-time, at the Merchandise Mart headquarters of the Chicago Teachers Union. That's unhealthy.

Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 1:16 PMBy: Rolling on the Floor High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union This has been very interesting and entertaining reading this afternoon. It's a shame that it has taken so long for the President to assert her power. All Hail the Queen! Bow down you suckers! LOL!!!!! ROTFLMAO!!!!!

Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 7:19 PMBy: Heidi High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Does the AFT and the AFL-CIO know about all of this b.s. with CTU? If not they need to be made aware of all of this.

Fri Feb 1, 2008 at 11:08 PMBy: Staying Tuned High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union 4 Musketeers, how are your wishes going? I think not well.

Sat Feb 2, 2008 at 12:02 PMBy: Eshoo High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union Diane??
May I assume it's Diane Sheffer (sp). Diane was a main stay in the old UPC. Maybe Stewart (or another insider) has finally realized that the Stewart leadership team could be compared to the Warren G. Harding presidential leadership team, and Mariyln would certainly star as Warrren.

Diane’s name was on the ctunet.com page – it’s gone now.