Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
As you know, there's a new blog up and running, called the Coalition for a Strong Democratic Union -- an "independent forum" for members of the CTU. It's got some good links and a bunch of uploaded documents including fliers alleging financial mismanagement by the current CTU leadership and the CTU constitution, all in PDF form.
Do you think this new coalition has a chance of resolving the internal strife within CTU and returning the CTU to the job of protecting teachers and making schools better for everyone? Or do you think that the situation isn't so dire and can be handled through the pre-existing CTU caucuses, PACT and UPC?
UPDATE: Listen here to find out what happened when delegate John Kugler tries to raise a question of privilege with Marilyn Stewart at the most recent delegates meeting: "The issue was to remove or at least identify the salaried CTU staffers so they would not influence the debate since it is those very people that my be cut from the budget," writes Kugler.
May 7 HoD-Question of Priviledge (jk).mp3
http://www.mediafire.com/
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Tue May 13, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Guys from Coalition try to eliminate corruption and dictatorship inside of the CTU.President Marilyn Stewart is interested in her own welfare(unlimited expenses account reached already $4 000,00 last month).No effective membeship services exist,debt around 5 millions ,field reps making more than 150 000....
Now the President is asking for dues increase doing nothing about schools closure and membeship shrinking.
Save us ,Dr.Kugler and Chris,Esq.
Now the President is asking for dues increase doing nothing about schools closure and membeship shrinking.
Save us ,Dr.Kugler and Chris,Esq.
Tue May 13, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Not,
and Chris is not esq.
ARDC Lawyer Search Results from the ARDC database last updated as of May 13, 2008 at 10:59:12 AM: for the following terms: Last Name: rudzinski, First Name: christopher, status: All, City: chicago, State: IL, Country: usa
ARDC-Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois
and Chris is not esq.
ARDC Lawyer Search Results from the ARDC database last updated as of May 13, 2008 at 10:59:12 AM: for the following terms: Last Name: rudzinski, First Name: christopher, status: All, City: chicago, State: IL, Country: usa
ARDC-Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois
Tue May 13, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
ARDC Lawyer Search Results from the ARDC database last updated as of May 13, 2008 at 10:59:12 AM: for the following terms: Last Name: rudzinski, First Name: christopher, status: All, City: chicago, State: IL, Country: usa
Your search terms do not match the record of any lawyer licensed in Illinois. Please check your terms for accuracy and try your search again. NOTE: The last name is a required field, but you may choose a phonetic search, particularly if you are not sure of the spelling of the last name. Do not include address information if you are searching for a retired judge or a lawyer who is retired, inactive, deceased or who never registered with ARDC, as their addresses are not available online due to privacy considerations or because ARDC never received those addresses. Including their addresses in a search will exclude them from the search results
Your search terms do not match the record of any lawyer licensed in Illinois. Please check your terms for accuracy and try your search again. NOTE: The last name is a required field, but you may choose a phonetic search, particularly if you are not sure of the spelling of the last name. Do not include address information if you are searching for a retired judge or a lawyer who is retired, inactive, deceased or who never registered with ARDC, as their addresses are not available online due to privacy considerations or because ARDC never received those addresses. Including their addresses in a search will exclude them from the search results
Tue May 13, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Funny.I am not an attorney licensed in Illinois.I am a teacher.
I still believe in honesty.Am I naive?
I still believe in honesty.Am I naive?
Tue May 13, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
It does not matter.You guys have our support.We do not need paid staffers attacking Union members.You are brave.
Kugler they assaulted you .You should press charges.
Kugler they assaulted you .You should press charges.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
What the word Esq exactly means?
My best friend said:Of course I know what the ETC means...
ETCETERA.....
My best friend said:Of course I know what the ETC means...
ETCETERA.....
Wed May 14, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Wed maybe what really happened to me.
Democracy in action.
I feel just like my union brother 30 years ago!
Corruption in Local 2 (1978)
Democracy in action.
I feel just like my union brother 30 years ago!
Corruption in Local 2 (1978)
Wed May 14, 2008 at 1:05 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Not is far from stupid..............
Mary stated:
Now the President is asking for dues increase doing nothing about schools closure and membeship shrinking.
Save us ,Dr.Kugler and Chris,Esq.
Kugler is PhD. Chris is not esq.
Per Dictionary.com
Abbr. Esq. Used as an honorific usually in its abbreviated form, especially after the name of an attorney or a consular officer: Jane Doe, Esq.; John Doe, Esq.
Mary stated:
Now the President is asking for dues increase doing nothing about schools closure and membeship shrinking.
Save us ,Dr.Kugler and Chris,Esq.
Kugler is PhD. Chris is not esq.
Per Dictionary.com
Abbr. Esq. Used as an honorific usually in its abbreviated form, especially after the name of an attorney or a consular officer: Jane Doe, Esq.; John Doe, Esq.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 1:34 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
"...I feel just like my union brother 30 years ago! ...Corruption in Local 2 (1978)..." (Kugler, earlier).
It sounds like there is still a dearth of You Tube and other Internet video stuff on this topic.
These kinds of things should be localized, with local (Chicago, Midwest, and appropriate Las Vegas musical backgrounds).
Roll in with some really photogenic stuff. Can't we get some Alan Dorfman photos? Then some high kickers from the old Flamingo, maybe with some of those room shots the FBI used to take when it wasn't going after the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr. ("Corruption" in the USA was either organized black people or organized working class people; never Wall Street, then or now...).
Every time I drive by the (now) Purple Hotel, I have a twinge in my soul for the old mobbed up Teamsters. Does anyone else get visions of Jackie Presser and Tony Pro (in whose local I worked while still a kid out of Gross & Hecht Trucking in Newark, New Jersey, more than 40 years ago).
Of course, tips and icebergs. Remember the old HERE (before UNITE HERE) and that guy (forgetting his name; the one who had my then and current alderman as a "consultant" for a decade) who died up in Wisconsin? Hanley comes to mind.
My point is, you don't need to go to the West Coast or "On the Waterfront" for this kind of video. Someone should make one here in Chicago. There is enough history to go around. From the point of view of the old mobbed up Chicago unions, Marilyn Stewart's "corruption" is a worn out vaudeville interruption with a few flat jokes that went out when the "Flapper" generation died. As opposed to the Las Vegas extravaganzas of today! After all, $4,000 is one hour's "salary" for a Hedge Fund magnate nowadays.
Somebody's got to have copies of the Ron Dorfman evidence photos of how the lead investment guy from the Central State Pension Fund wound up dunked and trunked up on Touhy Ave. 35 or so years ago.
What I mean is (among other things) if the Pro can plant Jimmy Hoffa in the Meadowlands (my favorite is still under the end zone, but which end?) then get Hollywood to have the deed done in Michigan (Michigan of all places) somebody should be able to bring Chicago, Grand Ave, and all things Kennedy back into the limelight for the You Tube generation.
See you Friday, shipmates...
It sounds like there is still a dearth of You Tube and other Internet video stuff on this topic.
These kinds of things should be localized, with local (Chicago, Midwest, and appropriate Las Vegas musical backgrounds).
Roll in with some really photogenic stuff. Can't we get some Alan Dorfman photos? Then some high kickers from the old Flamingo, maybe with some of those room shots the FBI used to take when it wasn't going after the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr. ("Corruption" in the USA was either organized black people or organized working class people; never Wall Street, then or now...).
Every time I drive by the (now) Purple Hotel, I have a twinge in my soul for the old mobbed up Teamsters. Does anyone else get visions of Jackie Presser and Tony Pro (in whose local I worked while still a kid out of Gross & Hecht Trucking in Newark, New Jersey, more than 40 years ago).
Of course, tips and icebergs. Remember the old HERE (before UNITE HERE) and that guy (forgetting his name; the one who had my then and current alderman as a "consultant" for a decade) who died up in Wisconsin? Hanley comes to mind.
My point is, you don't need to go to the West Coast or "On the Waterfront" for this kind of video. Someone should make one here in Chicago. There is enough history to go around. From the point of view of the old mobbed up Chicago unions, Marilyn Stewart's "corruption" is a worn out vaudeville interruption with a few flat jokes that went out when the "Flapper" generation died. As opposed to the Las Vegas extravaganzas of today! After all, $4,000 is one hour's "salary" for a Hedge Fund magnate nowadays.
Somebody's got to have copies of the Ron Dorfman evidence photos of how the lead investment guy from the Central State Pension Fund wound up dunked and trunked up on Touhy Ave. 35 or so years ago.
What I mean is (among other things) if the Pro can plant Jimmy Hoffa in the Meadowlands (my favorite is still under the end zone, but which end?) then get Hollywood to have the deed done in Michigan (Michigan of all places) somebody should be able to bring Chicago, Grand Ave, and all things Kennedy back into the limelight for the You Tube generation.
See you Friday, shipmates...
Wed May 14, 2008 at 1:38 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
"...Do you think this new coalition has a chance of resolving the internal strife within CTU and returning the CTU to the job of protecting teachers and making schools better for everyone? Or do you think that the situation isn't so dire and can be handled through the pre-existing CTU caucuses, PACT and UPC?..." (Alexander, yesterday)...
Don't forget CORE and Teachers for Social Justice. The more the merrier. Just have everybody link to Substance and smiles all around.
The big news for the next two months will be the upcoming American Federation of Teachers convention (launching July 10 at Navy Pier; Democratic presidential aspirants expected).
Talk about "News"...
And Marilyn Mumbles will be co-chair of the event, thanks to her being President of the host local. What a town! Maybe we can get the AFT delegates to picket Mayor Daley at City Hall, like AFT did against the union busters in New Orleans about eight years ago during the convention there (in the pre-Katrina days). After all, Daley has used charter schools and Renaissance 2010 to eliminate more union jobs in CPS than there are jobs in all but the largest cities in the USA.
Picket Chicago's mayor during the AFT convention. Nice touch.
Don't forget CORE and Teachers for Social Justice. The more the merrier. Just have everybody link to Substance and smiles all around.
The big news for the next two months will be the upcoming American Federation of Teachers convention (launching July 10 at Navy Pier; Democratic presidential aspirants expected).
Talk about "News"...
And Marilyn Mumbles will be co-chair of the event, thanks to her being President of the host local. What a town! Maybe we can get the AFT delegates to picket Mayor Daley at City Hall, like AFT did against the union busters in New Orleans about eight years ago during the convention there (in the pre-Katrina days). After all, Daley has used charter schools and Renaissance 2010 to eliminate more union jobs in CPS than there are jobs in all but the largest cities in the USA.
Picket Chicago's mayor during the AFT convention. Nice touch.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 3:14 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
No, Alexander
This “new” group will not lead to anything positive in the Chicago Teachers Union. Those who are involved in the creation and have aligned themselves have shown themselves to be very negative. On the District 299 blog there are numerous posts which should never have been written by a school teacher, let alone someone who wants people to follow them and says they are trying to protect the people.
The following quotes are from a post by Unionist, aka Chris, (coollaw@yahoo.com) who has taken on a leadership role in this "new" group.
Alexander, you have had to block posts from this person and now they want to lead.....not
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 3:19 PMBy: Unionist
High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union
Again I wish she will pay by the slow ,painfull death for the harm she caused to teachers,their families and students.
Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 4:33 PMBy: Chris to:Things that make.....
. What Happened At The CTU House Of Delegates Mtg.
Dear Things..Anonymous.......
8.I will not accept lack of accountability and stupidity.I am not afraid.As you know I am certified as an administratoor including Director of Special Education.
I made a choice -I am with my Union .
Do you love me?Buy a vibrator I will pay for a battery.
Have a good day.
There are many more nasty posts but people get the point.
That is not leadership material, and if this is who is organizing that new group they will not succeed.
This “new” group will not lead to anything positive in the Chicago Teachers Union. Those who are involved in the creation and have aligned themselves have shown themselves to be very negative. On the District 299 blog there are numerous posts which should never have been written by a school teacher, let alone someone who wants people to follow them and says they are trying to protect the people.
The following quotes are from a post by Unionist, aka Chris, (coollaw@yahoo.com) who has taken on a leadership role in this "new" group.
Alexander, you have had to block posts from this person and now they want to lead.....not
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 3:19 PMBy: Unionist
High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union
Again I wish she will pay by the slow ,painfull death for the harm she caused to teachers,their families and students.
Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 4:33 PMBy: Chris to:Things that make.....
. What Happened At The CTU House Of Delegates Mtg.
Dear Things..Anonymous.......
8.I will not accept lack of accountability and stupidity.I am not afraid.As you know I am certified as an administratoor including Director of Special Education.
I made a choice -I am with my Union .
Do you love me?Buy a vibrator I will pay for a battery.
Have a good day.
There are many more nasty posts but people get the point.
That is not leadership material, and if this is who is organizing that new group they will not succeed.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 7:32 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
What's up with the pic of just the ladies' asses on the home page?
The "Coalition" may want to get the web designer to change that.
The "Coalition" may want to get the web designer to change that.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 7:51 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Hello guys.See the post above and read again yours.Than do that as many times as necessary to properly process information.
After all,I do not have a problem with my selfesteem therefore I am just ignoring any kind of personal attack.
Dear Not where have you been during schools closure hearings?
I was standing in front of the hearing officers and spelled my name.Now,you are demonstrating something (internal problem?)
and you are afraid to use your name.
After all I always have a right to tell you "go to the hell"as a response to your stupid action against our school communities,teachers and their families.Saying "go to the hell "does not mean that I am going to help you to reach the destination .The God will do the justice.Remember any attempt to hurt others will be used against you.Someday.
Peace.Amen
After all,I do not have a problem with my selfesteem therefore I am just ignoring any kind of personal attack.
Dear Not where have you been during schools closure hearings?
I was standing in front of the hearing officers and spelled my name.Now,you are demonstrating something (internal problem?)
and you are afraid to use your name.
After all I always have a right to tell you "go to the hell"as a response to your stupid action against our school communities,teachers and their families.Saying "go to the hell "does not mean that I am going to help you to reach the destination .The God will do the justice.Remember any attempt to hurt others will be used against you.Someday.
Peace.Amen
Wed May 14, 2008 at 8:42 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
May 7 HoD-Question of Privilege
Here is a link to the recording someone sent of how Marilyn and her cronies suppressed democracy at the last House of Delegates meetings.
Towards the end you can clearly the hacks yelling me down even after the Sargent-of-arms took the mic from me and forced me to sit down.
May 7 HoD-Question of Privilege
Here is a link to the recording someone sent of how Marilyn and her cronies suppressed democracy at the last House of Delegates meetings.
Towards the end you can clearly the hacks yelling me down even after the Sargent-of-arms took the mic from me and forced me to sit down.
May 7 HoD-Question of Privilege
Wed May 14, 2008 at 8:54 AM
...........................................................................................
what do you think happened?
A question of privilege may be used by a member to call the attention of the chairman to something that affects the well-being of the membership in the meeting. The questioner
may ask to have the windows raised or lowered. The speaker may be asked to speak louder. Questions of privilege are decided by the chair, subject to appeal.
If the question concerns the welfare of one person in the group it is a question of personal privilege.
These special privileges are rights of all members but they should not be used as a pretext to disrupt a meeting. Again, common sense and decency must rule.
The form for such a motion is " I rise to a question of privilege." The chair says: "State your question." "Can we open the windows to clear the smoke?" The chair can answer: "Your privilege is granted. Will the sergeant-at-arms open the windows?"
Or if it is to propose a motion which cannot wait, the form is "as a question of privilege, I move that all nonmembers leave while we discuss this business." The chair can grant the privilege. The motion proposed is then handled like any ordinary motion before picking up where the meeting was interrupted
The issue was to remove or at least identify the salaried CTU staffers so they would not influence the debate since it is those very people that my be cut from the budget.
You can listen for yourself and see what happen.
May 7 HoD-Question of Priviledge
A question of privilege may be used by a member to call the attention of the chairman to something that affects the well-being of the membership in the meeting. The questioner
may ask to have the windows raised or lowered. The speaker may be asked to speak louder. Questions of privilege are decided by the chair, subject to appeal.
If the question concerns the welfare of one person in the group it is a question of personal privilege.
These special privileges are rights of all members but they should not be used as a pretext to disrupt a meeting. Again, common sense and decency must rule.
The form for such a motion is " I rise to a question of privilege." The chair says: "State your question." "Can we open the windows to clear the smoke?" The chair can answer: "Your privilege is granted. Will the sergeant-at-arms open the windows?"
Or if it is to propose a motion which cannot wait, the form is "as a question of privilege, I move that all nonmembers leave while we discuss this business." The chair can grant the privilege. The motion proposed is then handled like any ordinary motion before picking up where the meeting was interrupted
The issue was to remove or at least identify the salaried CTU staffers so they would not influence the debate since it is those very people that my be cut from the budget.
You can listen for yourself and see what happen.
May 7 HoD-Question of Priviledge
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
What coalition? You mean the fraud that was established to take the heat away from themselves and focus the rest of us dummies on a 'new coalition'? Where were the new coalition members at the May house meeting? Did even one of them get to a mike and ask a question? No. Only UPCers did. It's all a front. Grab as much money as you can... that's all they think about. Don't worry about teacher firings, the union officers are safe.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
The fraud is those that sit on the side lines and let anyone do whatever they want to the democratic process of our union.
All I know no one helped me at that house meeting when I was bum-rushed and forced to to sit down.
NO ONE STOOD UP TO STOP THE DICTATORSHIP!
NO ONE STOOD UP TO STOP THE LIES!
NO ONE IS STANDING UP FOR THE RANK AND FILE!
My actions speak for themself!
I know what side I am on.
The side of the rank and file members that have been sold out!
See you all at the next house meeting. I even hear they are planning how to really clamp down even more on any opposition and pass the budget.
YES according to the Stewart crew the budget is a DONE DEAL
Heck I even I an email from the IFT President, Ed Geppert writing of the good budget almost in past tense like he knows it will pass.
Where is the fraud?
need to direct your energy to doing what is right for the membership. NOT what is right for a select few hacks trying to hold on to their positions.
When is the last time any of those CTU office people and officers been in a classroom?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
All I know no one helped me at that house meeting when I was bum-rushed and forced to to sit down.
NO ONE STOOD UP TO STOP THE DICTATORSHIP!
NO ONE STOOD UP TO STOP THE LIES!
NO ONE IS STANDING UP FOR THE RANK AND FILE!
My actions speak for themself!
I know what side I am on.
The side of the rank and file members that have been sold out!
See you all at the next house meeting. I even hear they are planning how to really clamp down even more on any opposition and pass the budget.
YES according to the Stewart crew the budget is a DONE DEAL
Heck I even I an email from the IFT President, Ed Geppert writing of the good budget almost in past tense like he knows it will pass.
Where is the fraud?
need to direct your energy to doing what is right for the membership. NOT what is right for a select few hacks trying to hold on to their positions.
When is the last time any of those CTU office people and officers been in a classroom?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I have posted before, and have been watching from the sidelines as well. I am meeting with my school's union members tomorrow and I will let them know that I will NOT vote for the budget. That the only way to stand up for the people who elected me their delegate is to refrain from passing a vague budget that is obviously covering up many problems whether intentional or accidental.
I can not in good conscious vote for something so vague, imprecise and ridiculous. I can spend 30 million dollars a hell of a lot better than the union has...Using excel and balancing a budget is NOT brain surgery. Spend the money you have, cut back on things you can't afford, save where you can. The end.
I can not in good conscious vote for something so vague, imprecise and ridiculous. I can spend 30 million dollars a hell of a lot better than the union has...Using excel and balancing a budget is NOT brain surgery. Spend the money you have, cut back on things you can't afford, save where you can. The end.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Chris,
Your harsh, mean coments speak for themself:
Wed May 14, 2008 at 7:51 AMBy: Chris to:Not,uh
After all I always have a right to tell you "go to the hell"as a response to your stupid action against our school communities,teachers and their families.Saying "go to the hell "does not mean that I am going to help you to reach the destination .The God will do the justice.Remember any attempt to hurt others will be used against you.Someday.
Peace.Amen
Come on Chris, you create all kinds of alias blogs; why shouln't everyone?
Alexander,
To answer your question, NOT.
Your harsh, mean coments speak for themself:
Wed May 14, 2008 at 7:51 AMBy: Chris to:Not,uh
After all I always have a right to tell you "go to the hell"as a response to your stupid action against our school communities,teachers and their families.Saying "go to the hell "does not mean that I am going to help you to reach the destination .The God will do the justice.Remember any attempt to hurt others will be used against you.Someday.
Peace.Amen
Come on Chris, you create all kinds of alias blogs; why shouln't everyone?
Alexander,
To answer your question, NOT.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
A true coalition will emerge from all the groups who are meeting. The old calculus of UPC/PACT doesn't add up anymore. There are disenchanted members of both those caucuses. What this blog needs is cogent, intelligent discussion. We've had enough of the name-calling. Let's get some facts, have members decide on how to proceed and stop with the silliness. It's counter-productive.
1. Is it a fact that when the current administration took office there was a $5 million surplus? If so, where did that money go?
2. When the previous administration was in place, did they lower dues AND increase expenses?
3. Is it true that staff members get an annuity paid for by our dues? It doesn't matter whether it's 21% or 14%.
4. Why does the Union have to borrow money over a 4 year period? Doesn't that simply allow this administration to encumber a subsequent administration?
5. According to the AFT accountant, this problem did not occur overnight? He called it a "structural issue" leading back to Healy and Vaughn.
6. Is it feasible to say that more than $1 million could be saved by cutting several jobs at the Mart and/or discontinuing the annuities?
My concern is that I have money taken from my check in order to save for my retirement. Why can't our leadership "save" like we do instead of being given an annuity? Is that why we only deal with VALIC now???
1. Is it a fact that when the current administration took office there was a $5 million surplus? If so, where did that money go?
2. When the previous administration was in place, did they lower dues AND increase expenses?
3. Is it true that staff members get an annuity paid for by our dues? It doesn't matter whether it's 21% or 14%.
4. Why does the Union have to borrow money over a 4 year period? Doesn't that simply allow this administration to encumber a subsequent administration?
5. According to the AFT accountant, this problem did not occur overnight? He called it a "structural issue" leading back to Healy and Vaughn.
6. Is it feasible to say that more than $1 million could be saved by cutting several jobs at the Mart and/or discontinuing the annuities?
My concern is that I have money taken from my check in order to save for my retirement. Why can't our leadership "save" like we do instead of being given an annuity? Is that why we only deal with VALIC now???
Wed May 14, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Hello"not".I do understand that you are an intelligent person with some amount of a sense of humor.If you are a paid staffer or the person who was promised a job your feelings will be mixed :on one side you are with your future boss ,on other side you see that you are definitely on the wrong side in term of public and individual interests jeopardized.I like your comments so do not hesitate to e mail me if you have enough courage.I would like to eliminate any kind of personal attacks on the public blog.
Remember I was the first person who was able openly ask for censure our current President because of her inaction regarding schools closures.Remember,at the end all of us will pay the price:
current teachers displaced and pensioners because they will not be able to enjoy the secure pension payments.
You can say anything you want but there is no ground to say that I am dishonest or power hungry.Just e mail me and please do not try to convince us that you share your IQ with somebody well known .
Remember I was the first person who was able openly ask for censure our current President because of her inaction regarding schools closures.Remember,at the end all of us will pay the price:
current teachers displaced and pensioners because they will not be able to enjoy the secure pension payments.
You can say anything you want but there is no ground to say that I am dishonest or power hungry.Just e mail me and please do not try to convince us that you share your IQ with somebody well known .
Wed May 14, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Dear "I hate."...I strongly believe that your emotional stage is justified.
Remember majority of the Coalition believe in honest,friendly way to solve our problems.
If you have any question ask my electorate at Orr regarding my morale and amount of courage I was forced to demonstrate.
Somebody must to be involved in the dirty job in order to survive.
We have a rights to complain but it will go nowhere..
Do you agree?
Remember majority of the Coalition believe in honest,friendly way to solve our problems.
If you have any question ask my electorate at Orr regarding my morale and amount of courage I was forced to demonstrate.
Somebody must to be involved in the dirty job in order to survive.
We have a rights to complain but it will go nowhere..
Do you agree?
Wed May 14, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Dear 'uh'.I was concerned about your dissatisfaction reagrding ladies pictures on the website.Do you mean you prefer to see men a...s instead of women?Tell the webmaster and he will possibly accommodate you.
Smile.
Smile.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Be happy.The end of the school year around the corner...
Wed May 14, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
VOTE NO for budget.Support others who decided to fight for you.
Be vocal during the June meeting.It is too late to be scared.
Be vocal during the June meeting.It is too late to be scared.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Yikes,
You are so right. There is a lot of work to do. The problem is that the people who call themselves organizing this "new" coalition have a history of and continue with the nastiness and name-calling. That behavior is not conducive to coalition building. Persons having differing opinions etc. are berated and condescended to. That behavior is not conducive to coalition building.
So the answer Alexander is NOT....not this one.
You are so right. There is a lot of work to do. The problem is that the people who call themselves organizing this "new" coalition have a history of and continue with the nastiness and name-calling. That behavior is not conducive to coalition building. Persons having differing opinions etc. are berated and condescended to. That behavior is not conducive to coalition building.
So the answer Alexander is NOT....not this one.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
When the union's inspiration through the workers' blood shall run,
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one,
But the union makes us strong.
CHORUS:
Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
For the union makes us strong.
Is there aught we hold in common with the greedy parasite,
Who would lash us into serfdom and would crush us with his might?
Is there anything left to us but to organize and fight?
For the union makes us strong.
It is we who plowed the prairies; built the cities where they trade;
Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid;
Now we stand outcast and starving midst the wonders we have made;
But the union makes us strong.
All the world that's owned by idle drones is ours and ours alone.
We have laid the wide foundations; built it skyward stone by stone.
It is ours, not to slave in, but to master and to own.
While the union makes us strong.
They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn,
But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn.
We can break their haughty power, gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong.
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold,
Greater than the might of armies, magnified a thousand-fold.
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong.
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one,
But the union makes us strong.
CHORUS:
Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
Solidarity forever,
For the union makes us strong.
Is there aught we hold in common with the greedy parasite,
Who would lash us into serfdom and would crush us with his might?
Is there anything left to us but to organize and fight?
For the union makes us strong.
It is we who plowed the prairies; built the cities where they trade;
Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid;
Now we stand outcast and starving midst the wonders we have made;
But the union makes us strong.
All the world that's owned by idle drones is ours and ours alone.
We have laid the wide foundations; built it skyward stone by stone.
It is ours, not to slave in, but to master and to own.
While the union makes us strong.
They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn,
But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn.
We can break their haughty power, gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong.
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold,
Greater than the might of armies, magnified a thousand-fold.
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
The Coalition is built on strenghts of all of us.There is no president,tresurer and paid staffers etc.
People get together as a last chance not to be destroyed by few money hungry individuals.
"Not" please just join the Coalition.There is a lot of work to do in order to provide true services to our member.
After all VOTE NO to the budget.
People get together as a last chance not to be destroyed by few money hungry individuals.
"Not" please just join the Coalition.There is a lot of work to do in order to provide true services to our member.
After all VOTE NO to the budget.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I'm not debating whether or not an opposition coalition is necessary nor efficacious. I just want to know how "who is the coalition?" turned instantly to "we, the coalition"?
Who is the coalition, what are your stated goals?
Are you a new caucus? Are you affiliated with any dissenting members of the UPC?
Have a missed some threads in the dialogue, or has a straw man been built by a couple, two, three angry bloggers?
Who is the coalition, what are your stated goals?
Are you a new caucus? Are you affiliated with any dissenting members of the UPC?
Have a missed some threads in the dialogue, or has a straw man been built by a couple, two, three angry bloggers?
Wed May 14, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Did I miss....
Your final statement speaks volumes. These are not the caliber of people that most hard working, polite individuals wish to affiliate with. If you read through various threads that have any Union posts you will get a clear picture of whom these people are and what their focus, goals etc. are. There are a lot of questions but people who demean, criticize and degrade as these "coalition" members have are not the answer.
Read the following threads and decide for yourself if you want to align yourself with that group.
High life Strife at CTU
What happened at the house of delegates meeting
March, April, May
Union President ....Respect
There are some horrible posts from the very people who are now trying to get people to join them. Please. Not.
My first post on this thread quotes a couple of them. Many people tried to remind them that they should be careful of what they say and that it might come back to haunt. Well, here it is.
Not
Your final statement speaks volumes. These are not the caliber of people that most hard working, polite individuals wish to affiliate with. If you read through various threads that have any Union posts you will get a clear picture of whom these people are and what their focus, goals etc. are. There are a lot of questions but people who demean, criticize and degrade as these "coalition" members have are not the answer.
Read the following threads and decide for yourself if you want to align yourself with that group.
High life Strife at CTU
What happened at the house of delegates meeting
March, April, May
Union President ....Respect
There are some horrible posts from the very people who are now trying to get people to join them. Please. Not.
My first post on this thread quotes a couple of them. Many people tried to remind them that they should be careful of what they say and that it might come back to haunt. Well, here it is.
Not
Wed May 14, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I am not going to justify or explain how anyone blogs or expresses their opinion. That is the individual's responsibility.
But I can as an educated adult, who is suppose to be able to deal with hundreds of different personalities each and everyday, be able to put myself in someone's shoes and see where they are coming form.
The reason for this is so I do not put someone I a category in my mind and write them off as incapable. From what I know of Chris he works to the best of his ability to serve his students in a no win situation then he get word that his school will be closed and that he has to find a new job. This despite his certifications and long road to tenure.
Here is someone in not suppose to be looking for work but getting better at what they do and working to help students achieve success.
Now without a job.
Wait there is a union that we all pay dues to and surely they will save me and stop this transgression against my professional career.
But alas we all know what happened the CTU did not even fight the closings. heck they did not even protest any of the meetings or at least the Board when they made the announcement of the Done Deal!
If I was in Chris's shoes I would be writing a lot worse things and made sure what back-stabbers and scum-bags the union has become.
Again it is obvious here reading the attacks against someone who just lost their job who you all are.
YOU ARE THE SCUM THAT SOLD US OUT!
YOU ARE THE SCUM THAT BUM-RUSHED ME!
YOU ARE THE SCUM THAT WILL PAY FOR GOING AGAINST RANK AND FILE!
You are not the union.
You are on your way out!
We are the union who stand up and fight no matter what to save every single job and every single violation of the contract.
Stop attacking the rank and file.
Attack the leadership that got us to this point.
Attack the one that says she is in charge.
She sold us out.
Not Chris.
He is the victim not Stewart.
You all are some twisted sick individuals.
I just have horrible thoughts of all the students infected by the sick and twisted mentality of someone who attacks people that have just lost their job.
My students love what I do and they wish all their teachers told the truth and stood up for what is right.
I always tell them all teachers are suppose to do that is part of teaching good moral character.
Attacks on victims of tragedy are a sign of weakness and loss of power.
Work to build a strong union and protect those like Chris who have been victimized.
Just imagine if a student came running in your room cursing yelling and throwing things. You react by having them arrested and thrown out of school. You feel good that you stopped an incident and got rid of a bad guy. Later you find out that the mother and father died in a car accident that morning. I wonder will you still be proud of yourself.
Extreme example but we as educators need to be able to discern events and fact from fiction to be able to help those that need help.
Not only to help but to teach how to live with all the problems we face everyday.
In the end there are only twos ways in life.
The Right way (freedom, democracy, fairness, equity)
OR
the Wrong Way (oppression, secretiveness, tyranny, greed)
It is the individual who has been given the tools of reason that will one day always make the proper decision to lead his/her goals in life.
It is the individual that will have to live with the decisions he/she makes everyday.
I decide to do what is right.
Am I perfect? NO!
But I Know I see wrong and I cannot ignore it. So I do everything in my power to help correct the wrong I see.
What I really love is that at night I can go to bed saying at least I tried!
But I can as an educated adult, who is suppose to be able to deal with hundreds of different personalities each and everyday, be able to put myself in someone's shoes and see where they are coming form.
The reason for this is so I do not put someone I a category in my mind and write them off as incapable. From what I know of Chris he works to the best of his ability to serve his students in a no win situation then he get word that his school will be closed and that he has to find a new job. This despite his certifications and long road to tenure.
Here is someone in not suppose to be looking for work but getting better at what they do and working to help students achieve success.
Now without a job.
Wait there is a union that we all pay dues to and surely they will save me and stop this transgression against my professional career.
But alas we all know what happened the CTU did not even fight the closings. heck they did not even protest any of the meetings or at least the Board when they made the announcement of the Done Deal!
If I was in Chris's shoes I would be writing a lot worse things and made sure what back-stabbers and scum-bags the union has become.
Again it is obvious here reading the attacks against someone who just lost their job who you all are.
YOU ARE THE SCUM THAT SOLD US OUT!
YOU ARE THE SCUM THAT BUM-RUSHED ME!
YOU ARE THE SCUM THAT WILL PAY FOR GOING AGAINST RANK AND FILE!
You are not the union.
You are on your way out!
We are the union who stand up and fight no matter what to save every single job and every single violation of the contract.
Stop attacking the rank and file.
Attack the leadership that got us to this point.
Attack the one that says she is in charge.
She sold us out.
Not Chris.
He is the victim not Stewart.
You all are some twisted sick individuals.
I just have horrible thoughts of all the students infected by the sick and twisted mentality of someone who attacks people that have just lost their job.
My students love what I do and they wish all their teachers told the truth and stood up for what is right.
I always tell them all teachers are suppose to do that is part of teaching good moral character.
Attacks on victims of tragedy are a sign of weakness and loss of power.
Work to build a strong union and protect those like Chris who have been victimized.
Just imagine if a student came running in your room cursing yelling and throwing things. You react by having them arrested and thrown out of school. You feel good that you stopped an incident and got rid of a bad guy. Later you find out that the mother and father died in a car accident that morning. I wonder will you still be proud of yourself.
Extreme example but we as educators need to be able to discern events and fact from fiction to be able to help those that need help.
Not only to help but to teach how to live with all the problems we face everyday.
In the end there are only twos ways in life.
The Right way (freedom, democracy, fairness, equity)
OR
the Wrong Way (oppression, secretiveness, tyranny, greed)
It is the individual who has been given the tools of reason that will one day always make the proper decision to lead his/her goals in life.
It is the individual that will have to live with the decisions he/she makes everyday.
I decide to do what is right.
Am I perfect? NO!
But I Know I see wrong and I cannot ignore it. So I do everything in my power to help correct the wrong I see.
What I really love is that at night I can go to bed saying at least I tried!
Wed May 14, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
To answer Alexander's question, if the coalition does not stand a chance then our union does not stand a chance. This coalition may be transformed, different alliances may develop, many agree we have to stop laying down. We have to fight the closings, we have to fight the layoffs, and we have to yes fight among ourselves in order to figure out where we are going. I think it is called democracy, its messy, but that is what it is.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Upcoming CTU (and other teacher) events (open to all members, and creative others):
June 4. Plumbers Hall. House of Delegates meeting. The proposed budget for 2008-2009 is supposed to be debated and up for a vote. Since Marilyn Stewart avoided answering all specific questions about how she's been wasting money at the May meeting (and apparently pulled another fast count in order to prevent the questions from continuing), the House has to reject the budget she's proposing.
Transparency is not difficult, but for all the talk about reforming union finances (now that the union has spent itself into a hole), Stewart refused to provide any serious details about the sweetheart contracts she has given herself and her inner circle of friends and cronies. The June House meeting packet should include the complete contract of every officer and every union staff member -- including the all-important fringe benefits.
Is it true that CTU staff are the only people in the world who have a 53 week "year"?
Are CTU staff getting paid double pensions? (Their regular pensions into CTPF, plus an "annuity" paid by the union that it the equivalent of a 401-K that no other teacher gets).
How much money is being paid every month for the "expenses" of each of the union staff -- each one from Marilyn Stewart on down itemized? Since teachers are lucky to get that $100 "supply money" (how many schools take it for a centralized copying program, for example) why does Stewart give herself and her inner circle a (rumored) monthly expense account of $1,500 (or more).
The amazing thing about the May House of Delegates meeting is that CTU's officer walked in to present a "budget" to the representatives from every school and managed to refuse to answer any specific questions.
At that level of sheer arrogance and dishonesty, Marilyn Stewart (and her gnawing inner circle) are without peer either historically within the CTU or among the CPS unions today.
How dare she demand that teachers pay $870 per year in union dues and then refuse to tell the teachers -- dollar for dollar -- every penny she has awarded herself in pay, benefits, pension, and perks (of which the list seems quite long)...
June 4. Plumbers Hall. House of Delegates meeting. The proposed budget for 2008-2009 is supposed to be debated and up for a vote. Since Marilyn Stewart avoided answering all specific questions about how she's been wasting money at the May meeting (and apparently pulled another fast count in order to prevent the questions from continuing), the House has to reject the budget she's proposing.
Transparency is not difficult, but for all the talk about reforming union finances (now that the union has spent itself into a hole), Stewart refused to provide any serious details about the sweetheart contracts she has given herself and her inner circle of friends and cronies. The June House meeting packet should include the complete contract of every officer and every union staff member -- including the all-important fringe benefits.
Is it true that CTU staff are the only people in the world who have a 53 week "year"?
Are CTU staff getting paid double pensions? (Their regular pensions into CTPF, plus an "annuity" paid by the union that it the equivalent of a 401-K that no other teacher gets).
How much money is being paid every month for the "expenses" of each of the union staff -- each one from Marilyn Stewart on down itemized? Since teachers are lucky to get that $100 "supply money" (how many schools take it for a centralized copying program, for example) why does Stewart give herself and her inner circle a (rumored) monthly expense account of $1,500 (or more).
The amazing thing about the May House of Delegates meeting is that CTU's officer walked in to present a "budget" to the representatives from every school and managed to refuse to answer any specific questions.
At that level of sheer arrogance and dishonesty, Marilyn Stewart (and her gnawing inner circle) are without peer either historically within the CTU or among the CPS unions today.
How dare she demand that teachers pay $870 per year in union dues and then refuse to tell the teachers -- dollar for dollar -- every penny she has awarded herself in pay, benefits, pension, and perks (of which the list seems quite long)...
Wed May 14, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I think "not" has been out of the classroom and in the Mart way too long. Look up the word coalition. Even members of your caucus will see that 22% annuities for people who supposedly work for the members is outrageous. We understand your resistance to the inevitable. Rampant cronyism must stop. Hands out, "sucking on the teat of the Union" keeps your hope alive. So keep deluding yourself if you think there's another term for you and yours because Chris gets angry. You're absolutely right, he has said inappropriate things - sorry Chris the "battery" was over the top - Someone who never swears, smiles and never delivers promises (the 7% raise, the flat insurance rate, no more charter schools etc), but takes our dues and gives them to those who flatter her is frightening. The coalition knows you and your office mates are simply looking to cushion your pensions. You don't care about the leader, but she's too stupid to see through you. Don't think the rest of the membershhip is that deluded. This contract will come back to bite you if for no other reason than 5 years. Saving your salary and that of your friends who have plenty of time to post on our dime could save this union some real do-re-me!
Wed May 14, 2008 at 8:33 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Thanks to all especially people who get angry because of my comments.
To 'Not' I am deeply sorry I will not pay for the battery.
By the way we are not diplomats here.We are fighting for the life
of whole teaching community in the City of Chicago.
Am I overagressive?Very likely you are right,I am possibly overagressive.
But remember we have to make choices taking under consideration our effectiveness.I am not going to smile to those who willfully and knowingly hurt our brothers and sisters.
I may use inappropriate words to those who are not doing what they paid for.If you believe that my language should be more balanced I am sorry for my openess.I can swear but I will never sell out people who rely on me.Excuse me.
To 'Not' I am deeply sorry I will not pay for the battery.
By the way we are not diplomats here.We are fighting for the life
of whole teaching community in the City of Chicago.
Am I overagressive?Very likely you are right,I am possibly overagressive.
But remember we have to make choices taking under consideration our effectiveness.I am not going to smile to those who willfully and knowingly hurt our brothers and sisters.
I may use inappropriate words to those who are not doing what they paid for.If you believe that my language should be more balanced I am sorry for my openess.I can swear but I will never sell out people who rely on me.Excuse me.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Great Mea Culpa, Chris. I'm proud of the fact that you don't mind speaking your mind. Not is a big baby if s/he thinks everyone has to be sweet. John McCain has a huge temper. Since s/he's so rich they might even be a Republican. Wouldn't be a surprise. Pretending to be a union person. Lyndon Johnson was crude, rude, but he got things done. So take your sweet nothings and give us back our jobs!!!!
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Thanks again and apologize if you feel it would be appropriate.
Definitely I have only one face.I will not sell you out,my friends.
Definitely I have only one face.I will not sell you out,my friends.
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I always find it funny that people want you to edit your blog. Here you are on your free time fighting for your union, your coworkers, your brothers and sisters...doing it in a forum meant to be used for venting, screaming, and vitriolic exchange...that is what the comment sections of blogs are.
Rudeness, crassness, these are part of any internet debate. As rude as some of these comments have been, none of them have been as insulting or degrading as being unable to speak or ask a question at a Delegates Meeting. That is the lowest and most despicable form of crassness.....
Rudeness, crassness, these are part of any internet debate. As rude as some of these comments have been, none of them have been as insulting or degrading as being unable to speak or ask a question at a Delegates Meeting. That is the lowest and most despicable form of crassness.....
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
you said it brother.
I am waiting for the next House meeting!
BRING IT ON!
Gonna thrash the joint!
Mad Max
I am waiting for the next House meeting!
BRING IT ON!
Gonna thrash the joint!
Mad Max
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
As stated in previous blogs, it's all prearranged. Stewart tells her caucus members to purposely line up with meaningless questions to block the rank and file from asking their questions, hoping time runs out and they can cheat on extending the question period. This is at least a half dozen times in the last few years that house votes are within one vote. One time, she even made it a tie!!!!!! On top of that, Stewart thinks it's funny!!!!!!!!
I agree. That is the lowest and most despicable form of crassness....
I agree. That is the lowest and most despicable form of crassness....
Wed May 14, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
To Not:
If you are so proud of what you say and believe, why don’t you identify yourself? Many other people have done that. You criticize them for what they say. When you truly believe in what you say, you’re willing to take the heat for those comments. What are you hiding? Possible Mart connection?
If you are so proud of what you say and believe, why don’t you identify yourself? Many other people have done that. You criticize them for what they say. When you truly believe in what you say, you’re willing to take the heat for those comments. What are you hiding? Possible Mart connection?
Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:19 PM
........................................................................................
sounds like everyone is ready for some battle on the house floor!
it is gonna be great!
take back what is rightfully ours the union!
Smackdown @ Plumbers Hall June 7 No Holds Barred
I wanna pile drive one of those hacks!
The Animal!
I Walk Alone
In the Shadow of the Valley of Death
with the help of my brothers and sisters
We shall overcome
This Night
Desperta ferro!
it is gonna be great!
take back what is rightfully ours the union!
Smackdown @ Plumbers Hall June 7 No Holds Barred
I wanna pile drive one of those hacks!
The Animal!
I Walk Alone
In the Shadow of the Valley of Death
with the help of my brothers and sisters
We shall overcome
This Night
Desperta ferro!
Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:22 PM
"The Coalition" Does Not Stand A Chance?
Stay on point and answer the question Alexander asked.
Do you think this new coalition has a chance of resolving the internal strife within CTU and returning the CTU to the job of protecting teachers and making schools better for everyone? Or do you think that the situation isn't so dire and can be handled through the pre-existing CTU caucuses, PACT and UPC?
There is an old saying: You attract more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. And the coalition has been straight vinegar from the beginning.
Perhaps iInstead of the constant personal attacks on the ctu president, her staff, and other bloggers they should have presented issues. Those issues should have been presented in an intelligent, organized fashion (yeah, using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling) If you can’t write get someone to proof read. They should have stepped forward as professionals; not angry, ranting and raving.
They should have taken peoples opinions respectfully, even thanked them for them as they collected data and developed a plan.
Instead they come on this site and rant and rave and curse and belittle, and write nasty fithy stuff. They degrade anyone who does not have the same opinion and then ask you to join the cause; the new coalition.
And Chris jumps up and down and actls like he is the only person who has lost a job and that gives him the right to mistreat other people. No one is picking on him; he put himself out there.
Look at private industry, the automobile industry, the airlines and more. At least in a school system with 600 schools you have a better chance of finding another position. Some of these people are truly just out there.
Kugler, Absolutely support your colleagues/friends during difficult but Doh’t get pulled into the negativity pit.
]
Do you think this new coalition has a chance of resolving the internal strife within CTU and returning the CTU to the job of protecting teachers and making schools better for everyone? Or do you think that the situation isn't so dire and can be handled through the pre-existing CTU caucuses, PACT and UPC?
There is an old saying: You attract more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. And the coalition has been straight vinegar from the beginning.
Perhaps iInstead of the constant personal attacks on the ctu president, her staff, and other bloggers they should have presented issues. Those issues should have been presented in an intelligent, organized fashion (yeah, using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling) If you can’t write get someone to proof read. They should have stepped forward as professionals; not angry, ranting and raving.
They should have taken peoples opinions respectfully, even thanked them for them as they collected data and developed a plan.
Instead they come on this site and rant and rave and curse and belittle, and write nasty fithy stuff. They degrade anyone who does not have the same opinion and then ask you to join the cause; the new coalition.
And Chris jumps up and down and actls like he is the only person who has lost a job and that gives him the right to mistreat other people. No one is picking on him; he put himself out there.
Look at private industry, the automobile industry, the airlines and more. At least in a school system with 600 schools you have a better chance of finding another position. Some of these people are truly just out there.
Kugler, Absolutely support your colleagues/friends during difficult but Doh’t get pulled into the negativity pit.
]
Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
June 4, 2008
House of Delegates Meeting
chill don't burn out before the fight.
you might not make it there here watch a cartoon it might relax you.
Wheelin' And Dealin'
House of Delegates Meeting
chill don't burn out before the fight.
you might not make it there here watch a cartoon it might relax you.
Wheelin' And Dealin'
Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Not such a dire situation? Nothing wrong with the pre-existing caucuses?? Are you living in a cave or what?
Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Ha,
Coalition bah humbug.
You never did answer the question of did I miss something.
What is your purpose?
Debbie crew runs for the mikes; that blond woman almost fell.
and Debbie Lynch hogged a mike forever.
Sign me, fired as pat under the debbie days
rehired under the stewart days and at a great school
hate the game; not the player
Coalition bah humbug.
You never did answer the question of did I miss something.
What is your purpose?
Debbie crew runs for the mikes; that blond woman almost fell.
and Debbie Lynch hogged a mike forever.
Sign me, fired as pat under the debbie days
rehired under the stewart days and at a great school
hate the game; not the player
Wed May 14, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I have been displaced this year and it is all just part of the Daley/Duncan tag team event. No one has mentioned the role they play in the school closings. hmmmmm This is part of the big picture; the big game. Dick gets what Dick wants. Watch what happens to schools, neighborhoods, and people when the Olympics comes to town
This entire issue of a new coalition is silly. CTU is a 75 year old established Union backed by IFT and AFT. There may be some boat rocking right now; it is not the first time and CTU will survive. This group or Coalition won't go anywhere but back to the Parthenon.
I read all this madness and attend the Union meetings and attended hearings and everything else. Like everything else, by the time it becomes public the rubber stamp BOE has moved on to the next catastrophe.
This entire issue of a new coalition is silly. CTU is a 75 year old established Union backed by IFT and AFT. There may be some boat rocking right now; it is not the first time and CTU will survive. This group or Coalition won't go anywhere but back to the Parthenon.
I read all this madness and attend the Union meetings and attended hearings and everything else. Like everything else, by the time it becomes public the rubber stamp BOE has moved on to the next catastrophe.
Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
anything like this for city or union agencies?
The Smith-Mundt Act prohibits the federal government from appropriating funds to influence public opinion in the United States.
It seems to me what happened at the last house meeting was exactly that. CTU, IFT, AFT crafted a coordinated presentation and plan to falsely present the union budget. Additionally they covered up the massive debt and troubles the union is facing in the years to come.
jk
The Smith-Mundt Act prohibits the federal government from appropriating funds to influence public opinion in the United States.
It seems to me what happened at the last house meeting was exactly that. CTU, IFT, AFT crafted a coordinated presentation and plan to falsely present the union budget. Additionally they covered up the massive debt and troubles the union is facing in the years to come.
jk
Thu May 15, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
"...Do you think this new coalition has a chance of resolving the internal strife within CTU and returning the CTU to the job of protecting teachers and making schools better for everyone? Or do you think that the situation isn't so dire and can be handled through the pre-existing CTU caucuses, PACT and UPC?..." (Me too not, yesterday about 2200 hours).
Back in January, when some of this CTU tooting began (after Marilyn's December 26 "love letter" -- the "In Solidarity" thingy -- to Arne Duncan was unveiled) some argued here that a little patience and civility were in order. Marilyn was 'misunderstood.' She was really a tough fighter, a union leader, blah blah blah. Just you wait and see.
Then came February 2008 and the latest CPS hit list.
First came the January 23 announcement of the latest Renaissance 2010 Hit List from CPS (19 schools, remember). The announcement was quickly followed by the "hearings" (February 4 - 16) about all those school closings, reconstitutions, consolidations, and privatizations (Gladstone is soon to be in the hands of Nobel Street Charters, Inc., for example).
What did Marilyn and the overpaid and undercompetnent staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
Nothing. Actually, worse than nothing. They barely got to all the hearings. How many did Marilyn herself go to?
When Stewart's people spoke at the hearings (at the Edison hearing, for example, they were eerily silent while the last African American children were purged from the schools north of the Kennedy and west of Harlem), their remarks were often inane, always irrelevant, and many times downright stupid. That's all a matter of public record for all to read (and, in the case of some of the You Tube, see). So the vocabulary lesson at this point is: inane; irrelevant; stupid. Add you own, but can anyone really preach that people who have witnessed or suffered this should be polite? Are you nuts? That's like when the rapist grabs you telling you not to fight and scream...
So by February 1, the vocabulary list is inane, irrelevant, stupid. Corrupt is coming, since nobody in Chicago sells out this big time without a payoff....
The hearings were incredible. Without prompting, thousands of teachers, parents, students, principals (yes, principals!) and community leaders (including an alderman or two) mobilized, while Marilyn and her "team" tried to derail as much militancy as they could, either by boring people to death or by sending them on Snipe Hunts (see "PUSH", below).
The hearings? In one case, an officer of the Chicago Teachers Union -- part of Marilyn's faction -- thanked the President of the Board of Education for firing more than 350 CTU members! That's a fact, on both transcript and tape: "Thank you..." (Duh).
As the February 27 Board of Education meeting approached, people were mobilizing across the city. What did Marilyn and the overpaid and undercompetent staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
Marilyn told people facing a professional firing squad to go to the February 23 Operation PUSH meeting! Of course, Marilyn forgot to mention that two Jesse Jacksons (Jr. and Sr.) and one aldermanic Jackson (Sandi) would not be at the PUSH meeting, but, hey, let's get on TV and tell the Board (huh?) that we don't like this. Let's frown really loudly. Remember: Jesse Jackson (Senior, not the Congressional Junior) had, barely two years ago, dragged Harper High School and a media entourage all the way out to Naqua Valley for a publicity stunt when Jesse Jackson Sr. (not the Congressional Junior, who seems back in bed with Mayor Daley on this stuff) was all concerned about the fate of Harper High School.
PUSH wasn't where the PUSH was going to come from. No political Jacksons, just one of the beer guys.
But Marilyn then added insult to injury (and irrelevance, banality, and stupidity; the vocabulary list gets longer) by complaining (in the March Chicago Union Teachers) that the union members didn't heed her (rather racist, in light of the schools she forgot to invite to PUSH, like Edison and Irving Park Middle) and that's why mean old Richard M. Daley and mean old Arne Duncan could get away with being mean to some of the CTU members --
Copernicus
Fulton
Harper
Howe
Morton
Orr
Those victims of this latest push towards publicity stunts ("turnaround" teams) and privatization (everybody's betting that DeLa Cruz will soon be given away to UNO just as Gladstone was given away to Noble Street.
But the best was yet to come. The Agenda for the February 27 Board of Education meeting came out, and it was clear to everybody that Arne Duncan was going to go through with the attacks on the 18 schools on the latest CPS hit list. Yes. The number had been reduced from 19 to 18. By then, everyone knew Abbott had clouted itself off the list; so what?
So... on the even of the February 27, 2008, meeting of the Chicago Board of Education, what did Marilyn Stewart and the overpaid and undercompetnent CTU staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
They held a press conference that was supposed to unleash the Preacher Patrol against the closings! At the Mart. But the preachers had already taken their game to the highest bidder (as usual; and that will always be Daley; corporate Chicago; and Arne Duncan) so when the press corps arrived at CTU for the press conference, we didn't see any of the preachers Marilyn had promised (I later saw them over at CPS on Clark St., cutting a couple of more deals with Duncan; maybe some more "crisis intervention" jobs to pray along at taxpayer expense every time some kid gets gunned or batted down?)...
Undaunted, Marilyn Stewart hosted a press conference at which she complained not against the closings, really, but against the fact that Arne Duncan hadn't made CTU (and the "Quest Center" and "Fresh Start") junior partners in the firing of all those teachers (and other union staff). I've gone back over notes and tape of that February 25 press conference, and its still breathtaking in its combination of ignorance and betrayal.
By that time, anybody who didn't already know that Marilyn had cut some major deal with Mayor Daley's boys last August had to have realized that this whole series of non-events from CTU was a cover up. Try to look militant (like in early August) and keep the members from noticing you've sold out.
Finally, there was the February 27 Board meeting.
Massive protests, all following the participation of thousands of people in the hearings earlier in the month. Had Marilyn mobilized anybody via those overpaid and undercompetent coordinators and field reps who are now her dwindling Palace Guard, Clark St. would have been filled with people. Heck, one Spanish language radio disk jockey was good for more people in a protest than the President of the Chicago Teachers Union.
And just to let Arne Duncan, the Board members, and the public know that Marilyn was in full Sellout mode, Marilyn wasn't even at the Board meeting. So --
no protest from CTU...
one of Marilyn's underlings bringing official greetings from CTU...
And the Board votes unanimously and without debate to close, privatize, reconstitute, and otherwise screw 18 public schools and...
What did Marilyn and the overpaid and undercompetnent staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
Some people might say Marilyn did nothing.
Actually, if you look at the record from August 1, 2007 to now, it's a lot worse than that. I don't know (yet) what kind of deals Marilyn struck, but if she didn't get a lot more than all those preachers Arne buys up by the bushel every time they protest, she's missed her final call, so to speak...
The only wonder is why the members who have been sold out by CTU and screwed by CPS's lies aren't more angry as June 30 approaches...
And more rude...
And more organized.
Back in January, when some of this CTU tooting began (after Marilyn's December 26 "love letter" -- the "In Solidarity" thingy -- to Arne Duncan was unveiled) some argued here that a little patience and civility were in order. Marilyn was 'misunderstood.' She was really a tough fighter, a union leader, blah blah blah. Just you wait and see.
Then came February 2008 and the latest CPS hit list.
First came the January 23 announcement of the latest Renaissance 2010 Hit List from CPS (19 schools, remember). The announcement was quickly followed by the "hearings" (February 4 - 16) about all those school closings, reconstitutions, consolidations, and privatizations (Gladstone is soon to be in the hands of Nobel Street Charters, Inc., for example).
What did Marilyn and the overpaid and undercompetnent staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
Nothing. Actually, worse than nothing. They barely got to all the hearings. How many did Marilyn herself go to?
When Stewart's people spoke at the hearings (at the Edison hearing, for example, they were eerily silent while the last African American children were purged from the schools north of the Kennedy and west of Harlem), their remarks were often inane, always irrelevant, and many times downright stupid. That's all a matter of public record for all to read (and, in the case of some of the You Tube, see). So the vocabulary lesson at this point is: inane; irrelevant; stupid. Add you own, but can anyone really preach that people who have witnessed or suffered this should be polite? Are you nuts? That's like when the rapist grabs you telling you not to fight and scream...
So by February 1, the vocabulary list is inane, irrelevant, stupid. Corrupt is coming, since nobody in Chicago sells out this big time without a payoff....
The hearings were incredible. Without prompting, thousands of teachers, parents, students, principals (yes, principals!) and community leaders (including an alderman or two) mobilized, while Marilyn and her "team" tried to derail as much militancy as they could, either by boring people to death or by sending them on Snipe Hunts (see "PUSH", below).
The hearings? In one case, an officer of the Chicago Teachers Union -- part of Marilyn's faction -- thanked the President of the Board of Education for firing more than 350 CTU members! That's a fact, on both transcript and tape: "Thank you..." (Duh).
As the February 27 Board of Education meeting approached, people were mobilizing across the city. What did Marilyn and the overpaid and undercompetent staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
Marilyn told people facing a professional firing squad to go to the February 23 Operation PUSH meeting! Of course, Marilyn forgot to mention that two Jesse Jacksons (Jr. and Sr.) and one aldermanic Jackson (Sandi) would not be at the PUSH meeting, but, hey, let's get on TV and tell the Board (huh?) that we don't like this. Let's frown really loudly. Remember: Jesse Jackson (Senior, not the Congressional Junior) had, barely two years ago, dragged Harper High School and a media entourage all the way out to Naqua Valley for a publicity stunt when Jesse Jackson Sr. (not the Congressional Junior, who seems back in bed with Mayor Daley on this stuff) was all concerned about the fate of Harper High School.
PUSH wasn't where the PUSH was going to come from. No political Jacksons, just one of the beer guys.
But Marilyn then added insult to injury (and irrelevance, banality, and stupidity; the vocabulary list gets longer) by complaining (in the March Chicago Union Teachers) that the union members didn't heed her (rather racist, in light of the schools she forgot to invite to PUSH, like Edison and Irving Park Middle) and that's why mean old Richard M. Daley and mean old Arne Duncan could get away with being mean to some of the CTU members --
Copernicus
Fulton
Harper
Howe
Morton
Orr
Those victims of this latest push towards publicity stunts ("turnaround" teams) and privatization (everybody's betting that DeLa Cruz will soon be given away to UNO just as Gladstone was given away to Noble Street.
But the best was yet to come. The Agenda for the February 27 Board of Education meeting came out, and it was clear to everybody that Arne Duncan was going to go through with the attacks on the 18 schools on the latest CPS hit list. Yes. The number had been reduced from 19 to 18. By then, everyone knew Abbott had clouted itself off the list; so what?
So... on the even of the February 27, 2008, meeting of the Chicago Board of Education, what did Marilyn Stewart and the overpaid and undercompetnent CTU staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
They held a press conference that was supposed to unleash the Preacher Patrol against the closings! At the Mart. But the preachers had already taken their game to the highest bidder (as usual; and that will always be Daley; corporate Chicago; and Arne Duncan) so when the press corps arrived at CTU for the press conference, we didn't see any of the preachers Marilyn had promised (I later saw them over at CPS on Clark St., cutting a couple of more deals with Duncan; maybe some more "crisis intervention" jobs to pray along at taxpayer expense every time some kid gets gunned or batted down?)...
Undaunted, Marilyn Stewart hosted a press conference at which she complained not against the closings, really, but against the fact that Arne Duncan hadn't made CTU (and the "Quest Center" and "Fresh Start") junior partners in the firing of all those teachers (and other union staff). I've gone back over notes and tape of that February 25 press conference, and its still breathtaking in its combination of ignorance and betrayal.
By that time, anybody who didn't already know that Marilyn had cut some major deal with Mayor Daley's boys last August had to have realized that this whole series of non-events from CTU was a cover up. Try to look militant (like in early August) and keep the members from noticing you've sold out.
Finally, there was the February 27 Board meeting.
Massive protests, all following the participation of thousands of people in the hearings earlier in the month. Had Marilyn mobilized anybody via those overpaid and undercompetent coordinators and field reps who are now her dwindling Palace Guard, Clark St. would have been filled with people. Heck, one Spanish language radio disk jockey was good for more people in a protest than the President of the Chicago Teachers Union.
And just to let Arne Duncan, the Board members, and the public know that Marilyn was in full Sellout mode, Marilyn wasn't even at the Board meeting. So --
no protest from CTU...
one of Marilyn's underlings bringing official greetings from CTU...
And the Board votes unanimously and without debate to close, privatize, reconstitute, and otherwise screw 18 public schools and...
What did Marilyn and the overpaid and undercompetnent staff at the Merchandise Mart do?
Some people might say Marilyn did nothing.
Actually, if you look at the record from August 1, 2007 to now, it's a lot worse than that. I don't know (yet) what kind of deals Marilyn struck, but if she didn't get a lot more than all those preachers Arne buys up by the bushel every time they protest, she's missed her final call, so to speak...
The only wonder is why the members who have been sold out by CTU and screwed by CPS's lies aren't more angry as June 30 approaches...
And more rude...
And more organized.
Thu May 15, 2008 at 1:27 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
because those in the coalition have come across as rude, nasty and abusive very few wish to align themselves. Had they presented during these last few months an intelligent, professional, well spoken and still agitated to action they would have thousands and thousands of followers. Just as they ran people away from this blog they have run people away from the coalition.
Although everyone does not agree with all that you say you present in an organized, intelligent way. And even when you are angry you controll it.
This coalition died before it was born.
Although everyone does not agree with all that you say you present in an organized, intelligent way. And even when you are angry you controll it.
This coalition died before it was born.
Thu May 15, 2008 at 6:13 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
The UPC was blocking the microphones back in the mid-1980's when I became a union delegate! You have to position your people by the microphones and block back! Then you hog the microphones!!!!!!!!!!
Thu May 15, 2008 at 6:28 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Exactly.You are 100% right.They need a strategy to block staffers and the small group frm the UPC.
They need to be rude and proactive.
They need to be rude and proactive.
Thu May 15, 2008 at 6:31 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
They are too effective and intelligent..you have no chance to stand....
Thu May 15, 2008 at 6:41 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
DoJo
Hollywood movies are not a real good example to use for such a serious
matter but I remember a scene from the Movie “The Karate Kid” when
Pat Moreno takes his pounded friend to the karate school to talk the teacher.
Low and behold the teacher is the problem. He wants to kick both Pat and
The kid’s asses right there. Moreno looks around, and says “NO” your dojo.
This seemingly cowardly retreat was the smart move. The dojo was the home ground of
these bullies.
Once long ago I was a union delegate .Even in the Nixon years it was apparent
The monthly CTU meeting was not the place to create change. This dojo was too
heavily controlled by the bullies. Anyone really serious about real union reform
must realize that simple fact. Personally I like the story of the Tennis Court Oath
from the French Revolution. Get them out of there dojo and watch them run.
Hollywood movies are not a real good example to use for such a serious
matter but I remember a scene from the Movie “The Karate Kid” when
Pat Moreno takes his pounded friend to the karate school to talk the teacher.
Low and behold the teacher is the problem. He wants to kick both Pat and
The kid’s asses right there. Moreno looks around, and says “NO” your dojo.
This seemingly cowardly retreat was the smart move. The dojo was the home ground of
these bullies.
Once long ago I was a union delegate .Even in the Nixon years it was apparent
The monthly CTU meeting was not the place to create change. This dojo was too
heavily controlled by the bullies. Anyone really serious about real union reform
must realize that simple fact. Personally I like the story of the Tennis Court Oath
from the French Revolution. Get them out of there dojo and watch them run.
Thu May 15, 2008 at 9:02 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Question for anyone who knows:
What if enough delegates do not show up for the meeting to have a quorum? Can the budget pass? Would it be possible to even arrange something like that? If we had enough teachers counted as proof there wasn't a quorum, they couldn't pass the budget correct?
What if enough delegates do not show up for the meeting to have a quorum? Can the budget pass? Would it be possible to even arrange something like that? If we had enough teachers counted as proof there wasn't a quorum, they couldn't pass the budget correct?
Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Dear Bridgeport Teacher.I am sure you can find the Constitution and by-laws on the Coalition Website http://www.coalitionsdu.org
Thu May 15, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
who says you are the bad guys?
The Coalition for a Strong Democratic Union is an independent organization fighting the incompetence and ineffectiveness of the current Chicago Teachers Union leadership.Our goal is to refocus the unions direction on that of protecting its membership while enhancing its profession.
ASK MARILYN
marilynstewart@ctulocal1.com
Question: Is it true that your budget violates provisions of the Constitution
and by-laws of the CTU?
THEY DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW
even documents.
how-to-run-a-meeting.pdf
treasurer-memo-02-01-08.PDF
null
letter-to-duncan.pdf
constitution.PDF
The Coalition for a Strong Democratic Union is an independent organization fighting the incompetence and ineffectiveness of the current Chicago Teachers Union leadership.Our goal is to refocus the unions direction on that of protecting its membership while enhancing its profession.
ASK MARILYN
marilynstewart@ctulocal1.com
Question: Is it true that your budget violates provisions of the Constitution
and by-laws of the CTU?
THEY DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW
even documents.
how-to-run-a-meeting.pdf
treasurer-memo-02-01-08.PDF
null
letter-to-duncan.pdf
constitution.PDF
Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Impressive website and quite independent..indeed
Fri May 16, 2008 at 3:37 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
"...What if enough delegates do not show up for the meeting to have a quorum? Can the budget pass? Would it be possible to even arrange something like that? If we had enough teachers counted as proof there wasn't a quorum, they couldn't pass the budget correct?..." (Bridgeport teacher, yesterday).
If you want Marilyn Stewart to do anything she wants to in the name of the union and spend teachers' $870 per year in union dues on all the patronage she dreams of, organize a boycott of the June 4 House of Delegates meeting.
As you may know, hundreds of delegates are already boycotting the meetings, usually out of disgust. If you don't believe me, read the truancy list in each (belated, inane, self-serving) monthly issue of the Chicago Union Teacher. The list of delegates who missed the monthly meetings is longer than any "news" report the union publishes.
Marilyn Stewart has a loud, well organized but very small faction left on her side. She also controls the floor of the House by means of the (a) "security" (those off duty cops with the blank name tags who are paid to patrol inside CTU meetings); (b) sergeants at arms (union members from her faction paid extra to grab the microphones from people who criticize Marilyn Stewart), (c) the power of the chairman's position up front (which at time during the past year has regularly ignored votes or simply lied about votes that were taken, as on August 31 on the contract), and (d) controlling both the amplification and the power to the microphones (so they can cut you off if they don't like what you are saying or trying to say; check out the guy in the back playing with the sound system throughout the meetings and taking orders speaker by speaker from Marilyn's minions)...
The only way the budget can be rejected on behalf of the members (who overwhelmingly want full transparency and fewer perks for the privileged few in those massively subsidized union patronage jobs) is for
The House of Delegates to overwhelmingly vote "No" on the budget during the June 4 House of Delegates meeting and
The "No" vote to actually be counted, announced, made a part of the official record of the meeting (haven't you noticed how Mary McGuire simply leaves out anything Marilyn doesn't like from the "minutes"?) and then followed.
Now when the House votes to reject this hypocrites' budget at the June 4 meeting, then the union is barred from spending money (except for bare bones activities) after July 1 until the House does pass a budget.
If the delegates "boycott" the June 4 meeting, all it does is guarantee that a handful of people will rubber stamp Marilyn Stewart's budget without any critical debate.
If all the delegates actually show up and demand transparency at the June 4 meeting, then Marilyn Stewart's budget (and all that patronage) will be voted down, because Stewart is already holding top level meetings about how to control the House, manipulate the vote, and get her budget "passed" (remember how they "passed" the contract August 31 is you want to know why I used quotation marks) so she can continue spending all that money on unreported pay, perks, and patronage for her dwindling number of supporters and staff.
If you want Marilyn Stewart to do anything she wants to in the name of the union and spend teachers' $870 per year in union dues on all the patronage she dreams of, organize a boycott of the June 4 House of Delegates meeting.
As you may know, hundreds of delegates are already boycotting the meetings, usually out of disgust. If you don't believe me, read the truancy list in each (belated, inane, self-serving) monthly issue of the Chicago Union Teacher. The list of delegates who missed the monthly meetings is longer than any "news" report the union publishes.
Marilyn Stewart has a loud, well organized but very small faction left on her side. She also controls the floor of the House by means of the (a) "security" (those off duty cops with the blank name tags who are paid to patrol inside CTU meetings); (b) sergeants at arms (union members from her faction paid extra to grab the microphones from people who criticize Marilyn Stewart), (c) the power of the chairman's position up front (which at time during the past year has regularly ignored votes or simply lied about votes that were taken, as on August 31 on the contract), and (d) controlling both the amplification and the power to the microphones (so they can cut you off if they don't like what you are saying or trying to say; check out the guy in the back playing with the sound system throughout the meetings and taking orders speaker by speaker from Marilyn's minions)...
The only way the budget can be rejected on behalf of the members (who overwhelmingly want full transparency and fewer perks for the privileged few in those massively subsidized union patronage jobs) is for
The House of Delegates to overwhelmingly vote "No" on the budget during the June 4 House of Delegates meeting and
The "No" vote to actually be counted, announced, made a part of the official record of the meeting (haven't you noticed how Mary McGuire simply leaves out anything Marilyn doesn't like from the "minutes"?) and then followed.
Now when the House votes to reject this hypocrites' budget at the June 4 meeting, then the union is barred from spending money (except for bare bones activities) after July 1 until the House does pass a budget.
If the delegates "boycott" the June 4 meeting, all it does is guarantee that a handful of people will rubber stamp Marilyn Stewart's budget without any critical debate.
If all the delegates actually show up and demand transparency at the June 4 meeting, then Marilyn Stewart's budget (and all that patronage) will be voted down, because Stewart is already holding top level meetings about how to control the House, manipulate the vote, and get her budget "passed" (remember how they "passed" the contract August 31 is you want to know why I used quotation marks) so she can continue spending all that money on unreported pay, perks, and patronage for her dwindling number of supporters and staff.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 6:20 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Thanks,George.VOTE NOW during the June meeting .Otherwise you will dig your grave-Union will die-it is a planned UPC job.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Many of us still miss Jackie Vaughn. As we read this sad series of current events with CTU, her loss is that much more painful.
That said, many years ago, CTU President, Jackie Vaughn tried to get us delegates to buy a building for the CTU. CTU brass lobbied hard for it, spent money on real estate scouts, financing scenarios and plans. First, to build a new building through Membership dues and fees. When that was shot down by the Membership another proposal was pushed to inhabit/renovate a building that CTU Members would buy and finance.
As a long time CTU delegate, I had never seen the membership united more against her proposals. Dead set against it; even when we felt arm twisting and the hard sell.
President Vaughn knew when to stop the push and she gave it up. In hindsight, we can debate the merits of a Membership owned CTU building—it probably would have been named after Jackie and one can debate this too.
But remember, it is the Membership , represented by the delegates, who attend the meetings. And the Membership will be heard by standing UNITED in a NO vote, by 1 voice from all and 1 hand counted from all.
That said, many years ago, CTU President, Jackie Vaughn tried to get us delegates to buy a building for the CTU. CTU brass lobbied hard for it, spent money on real estate scouts, financing scenarios and plans. First, to build a new building through Membership dues and fees. When that was shot down by the Membership another proposal was pushed to inhabit/renovate a building that CTU Members would buy and finance.
As a long time CTU delegate, I had never seen the membership united more against her proposals. Dead set against it; even when we felt arm twisting and the hard sell.
President Vaughn knew when to stop the push and she gave it up. In hindsight, we can debate the merits of a Membership owned CTU building—it probably would have been named after Jackie and one can debate this too.
But remember, it is the Membership , represented by the delegates, who attend the meetings. And the Membership will be heard by standing UNITED in a NO vote, by 1 voice from all and 1 hand counted from all.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
It was a great idea.We could buy a building instead paying 94K monthly.We could pursue other issue like amendment to the Constitution(recall/impeach provision).
TOGETHER WE STAND VOTE NO on June meeting.
TOGETHER WE STAND VOTE NO on June meeting.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
What is so new about this coalition?
Isn't it being headed by Ted Dallas?
Isn't it being headed by Ted Dallas?
Fri May 16, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
No President,no officers,no association with UPC
Fri May 16, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
how many delegates are there, and what is it that prevents issues from being raised from the floor at delegates' meetings?
is this like the house of representatives, where the majority caucus sets the agenda and limits amendments?
-- alexander
is this like the house of representatives, where the majority caucus sets the agenda and limits amendments?
-- alexander
Fri May 16, 2008 at 8:37 PM
.........................................................................................
of the delegates are secret. The Stewart administration has not released the delegate list as requested on many occasiuons by many delegates.
Marilyn Stewart:
remarks by president marilyn stewart to the house of delegates regarding the proposed
2008-09 ctu budget
May 13 , 2008
http://www.ctunet.com/news/hot_topics/StewartRemarks5.2008.php
I promise you the following three things as we work together to solve this problem:
1. Information:
You will receive timely and accurate information that reflects our true financial picture. The House of Delegates deserves information and transparency in our budget review, and you will have it..
This is her speech from May 7. The way I read it is that the union is now completely transparent and now the delegate should be released and posted on the ctu website.
Marilyn Stewart:
remarks by president marilyn stewart to the house of delegates regarding the proposed
2008-09 ctu budget
May 13 , 2008
http://www.ctunet.com/news/hot_topics/StewartRemarks5.2008.php
I promise you the following three things as we work together to solve this problem:
1. Information:
You will receive timely and accurate information that reflects our true financial picture. The House of Delegates deserves information and transparency in our budget review, and you will have it..
This is her speech from May 7. The way I read it is that the union is now completely transparent and now the delegate should be released and posted on the ctu website.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
NOT the President
ARTICLE IX
DUTIES OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Sec. 1: Under the Union membership itself, the decisions of the House of Delegates on Union matters shall be supreme and final. The House may consider and act upon any matter which it regards as pertinent to the purposes and activities of this Union.
ARTICLE IX
DUTIES OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Sec. 1: Under the Union membership itself, the decisions of the House of Delegates on Union matters shall be supreme and final. The House may consider and act upon any matter which it regards as pertinent to the purposes and activities of this Union.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
We love you anyway...when you are silent..
Fri May 16, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Want to ask Marilyn?Go to the website http://coalitionsdu.org
click on ASK Marilyn link
Do you want to see unpublished documents?
Click on the BLOG
Good luck. Have a fun.
click on ASK Marilyn link
Do you want to see unpublished documents?
Click on the BLOG
Good luck. Have a fun.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
at any given house of delegates meeting, there is anywhere between 650 and 850 delegates. the more members at a school, the more delegates the school has. some schools have 5 or 6 delegates.
the upc caucus is in the leadership position at the moment. they select the sargeant at-arms, set up the agenda strategically to their benefit, direct the sound people when to turn the mics on and off, but most importantly, call opposition members out of order when they feel threatened. you see, they also hire the parlimentarian.
the upc doesn't want to run the union DEMOCRATICALLY. the more the delegates know, the less they have for patronage. if they are trying to be honest from this point on, it's because they have been caught.
they have been caught because of the high level strife inside the CTU.
the upc caucus is in the leadership position at the moment. they select the sargeant at-arms, set up the agenda strategically to their benefit, direct the sound people when to turn the mics on and off, but most importantly, call opposition members out of order when they feel threatened. you see, they also hire the parlimentarian.
the upc doesn't want to run the union DEMOCRATICALLY. the more the delegates know, the less they have for patronage. if they are trying to be honest from this point on, it's because they have been caught.
they have been caught because of the high level strife inside the CTU.
Fri May 16, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
A coalition is a group of people who have the same livelihoods.
A coalition is a group of people who come together for a cause.
A coalition is a group of people who want to promote change.
A coalition is a group of people who come from different caucuses.
A real coalition shouldn't care what caucus you are in, were in, or want to be in. A real coalition will accept you because you are a member of the chicago teachers union.
It was good for the CTU that Lynch beat Reese in 2001
It was good for the CTU that Stewart beat Lynch in 2004
It was fair to give Stewart's people a chance in 2007
It will be good when Stewart gets defeated in 2010
Hopefully, the coalition will choose a leader who is highly qualified and skilled to become the president of the CTU, and not base their decision simply on race or gender.
The membership is and will be smarter than people think they are.
A coalition is a group of people who come together for a cause.
A coalition is a group of people who want to promote change.
A coalition is a group of people who come from different caucuses.
A real coalition shouldn't care what caucus you are in, were in, or want to be in. A real coalition will accept you because you are a member of the chicago teachers union.
It was good for the CTU that Lynch beat Reese in 2001
It was good for the CTU that Stewart beat Lynch in 2004
It was fair to give Stewart's people a chance in 2007
It will be good when Stewart gets defeated in 2010
Hopefully, the coalition will choose a leader who is highly qualified and skilled to become the president of the CTU, and not base their decision simply on race or gender.
The membership is and will be smarter than people think they are.
Sat May 17, 2008 at 2:25 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
As far as i see the coalition is stronger everyday.
We do not have nice offices.
We do not have high salaries.
We do not have scabs working for us.
We have people that believe in the union.
No matter what affiliation.
We are the union.
Solidarity Forever
We do not have nice offices.
We do not have high salaries.
We do not have scabs working for us.
We have people that believe in the union.
No matter what affiliation.
We are the union.
Solidarity Forever
Sat May 17, 2008 at 4:18 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Union No. 1
Liberty/Equality/Fraternity
Liberty/Equality/Fraternity
Sat May 17, 2008 at 6:22 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Someone should make a list of all the information Marilyn Stewart won't allow the members to read on the union's own website (www.ctunet.com).
There is no archive of the CTU budget documents. No way you can do year-to-year budget comparisons (which is the only way to begin to make sense of all the rhetoric in the context of actual spending).
There is no archive of CTU newspaper editions. One thing Marilyn Stewart did when she took power was delete back issues of the Chicago Union Teacher from the Debbie Lynch years. It was as if she could wipe clean the history with one of those Donald Trump moves.
There are no complete records of the meetings of the House of Delegates. To ensure full transparency, this might even include the stenographer's transcript of the meeting (which was kept for more than 50 years, and might still be kept for legal purposes).
There is no information about the contracts the union has with its own employees and employee unions. None. No CTU member can learn, for example, whether the rumored "53-week year" is true, or whether some CTU staff are now getting money put into the Credit Union (on top of their regular pension contributions and those annuity contributions).
And that's just a start.
But apparently we are now going to be allowed to tune in to "Radio Marilyn" at ctunet.com...
If this weren't so sad, it would be slapstick. But at $870 per year union dues (teachers), who's laughing but the people who are ripping everyone off?
There is no archive of the CTU budget documents. No way you can do year-to-year budget comparisons (which is the only way to begin to make sense of all the rhetoric in the context of actual spending).
There is no archive of CTU newspaper editions. One thing Marilyn Stewart did when she took power was delete back issues of the Chicago Union Teacher from the Debbie Lynch years. It was as if she could wipe clean the history with one of those Donald Trump moves.
There are no complete records of the meetings of the House of Delegates. To ensure full transparency, this might even include the stenographer's transcript of the meeting (which was kept for more than 50 years, and might still be kept for legal purposes).
There is no information about the contracts the union has with its own employees and employee unions. None. No CTU member can learn, for example, whether the rumored "53-week year" is true, or whether some CTU staff are now getting money put into the Credit Union (on top of their regular pension contributions and those annuity contributions).
And that's just a start.
But apparently we are now going to be allowed to tune in to "Radio Marilyn" at ctunet.com...
If this weren't so sad, it would be slapstick. But at $870 per year union dues (teachers), who's laughing but the people who are ripping everyone off?
Sat May 17, 2008 at 6:34 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Those of us with an appreciation of satire couldn't have provided more than 25,000 Chicago teachers with a better example of droll than the latest Home page on the official Marilyn Stewart Web Site (www.ctunet.com).
It leads off under "Hot Topics" with Marilyn Stewart's "remarks" to the May 7 House of Delegates meeting. Of course, the "remarks" are dated May 13, 2008. Does it take that long for Marilyn's editors to figure out what she meant to say in the context of what she actually tried to say on the day she sort of said it all maybe?
But that's followed by some truly dark humor.
The second "Hot Topic" is "Arm Yourself with a Resume..." and is a seminar on resume writing.
Let's put this in context. First, Stewart sells out the union's members (August, September 2007) to Mayor Daley, Arne Duncan, and Renaissance 2010 and beyond...
Then Stewart takes a dive when Duncan launches the biggest offensive against real public schools in history (January - February 2008) and Stewart doesn't even bother to attend the hearings on the reorganizations, closings, reconstitutions, and other screwings herself.
Then Stewart claims the union's looming bankruptcy is the fault of everyone but herself (while asserting in a Christmas love letter to Arne Duncan that she is the BOSS but "in solidarity" and all that), while
Delivering "remarks" to a meeting on May 7 but not editing and publishing the "remarks" until a week later, where she promises "transparency" except that
It's nobody's business how much she is being paid, how many different pension plans she is currently profiting from (the answer is "At least three -- Chicago Teachers; CTU annuity; IFT annuity..."), or how many actual dollars (including car allowances, expense accounts, cell phone allowances, the 53rd week Stewart discovered for the years as they pass inside the Merchandise Mart...)...
Transparency in the CTU (blessed by the IFT and AFT) means that you're allowed to be blindfolded and told to drive as fast as possible in a blizzard in a fog but -- "Trust Us!" -- you can see fine...
Second City would throw out that script as too implausible for the Main Stage or even for improvs.
But anyone can go to www.ctunet.com this morning and see the lies and hypocrisy on display for the universe at the click of a mouse.
It leads off under "Hot Topics" with Marilyn Stewart's "remarks" to the May 7 House of Delegates meeting. Of course, the "remarks" are dated May 13, 2008. Does it take that long for Marilyn's editors to figure out what she meant to say in the context of what she actually tried to say on the day she sort of said it all maybe?
But that's followed by some truly dark humor.
The second "Hot Topic" is "Arm Yourself with a Resume..." and is a seminar on resume writing.
Let's put this in context. First, Stewart sells out the union's members (August, September 2007) to Mayor Daley, Arne Duncan, and Renaissance 2010 and beyond...
Then Stewart takes a dive when Duncan launches the biggest offensive against real public schools in history (January - February 2008) and Stewart doesn't even bother to attend the hearings on the reorganizations, closings, reconstitutions, and other screwings herself.
Then Stewart claims the union's looming bankruptcy is the fault of everyone but herself (while asserting in a Christmas love letter to Arne Duncan that she is the BOSS but "in solidarity" and all that), while
Delivering "remarks" to a meeting on May 7 but not editing and publishing the "remarks" until a week later, where she promises "transparency" except that
It's nobody's business how much she is being paid, how many different pension plans she is currently profiting from (the answer is "At least three -- Chicago Teachers; CTU annuity; IFT annuity..."), or how many actual dollars (including car allowances, expense accounts, cell phone allowances, the 53rd week Stewart discovered for the years as they pass inside the Merchandise Mart...)...
Transparency in the CTU (blessed by the IFT and AFT) means that you're allowed to be blindfolded and told to drive as fast as possible in a blizzard in a fog but -- "Trust Us!" -- you can see fine...
Second City would throw out that script as too implausible for the Main Stage or even for improvs.
But anyone can go to www.ctunet.com this morning and see the lies and hypocrisy on display for the universe at the click of a mouse.
Sat May 17, 2008 at 6:35 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
That's right. Under the current contract CTU negotiated with its officers and staff, there are 53 weeks in the year. Ask Marilyn how that miracle was done while she wasn't looking.
Sat May 17, 2008 at 6:43 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I said there are 53 weeks in the year .Period.You must listen and be quiet.I am in charge.Next step?I am going to convert the 24 hrs day to 26 hrs day.We have to work harder in order to satisfy my protectors.Do it together or get lost.
Sat May 17, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
LIE NUMBER ONE
her is what she says on the ctu web site
here is the Field rep contract that goes beyond her presidency.
CTU Office Staff Agree 07-11
To reiterate...
* No contracts beyond the term of the president MS
her is what she says on the ctu web site
here is the Field rep contract that goes beyond her presidency.
CTU Office Staff Agree 07-11
To reiterate...
* No contracts beyond the term of the president MS
Sat May 17, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
I do not care what do you think.Pay your dues and shut your mouth
Sun May 18, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
What is a coalition? Wrote:
‘It was good for the CTU that Lynch beat Reese in 2001’
– Yes
‘It was good for the CTU that Stewart beat Lynch in 2004’
– not so sure
The Stewart Administration (among other things):
refused to enforce the Contact
refused to help the PATs
allowed Ren 2010 proceed without meaningful opposition
made amendments to the 2004 Contract without membership approval
raised CTU staff salaries and benefits (over $1.2 mil a year)
removed hundreds of members from CTU committees
gave Daley and Duncan Carte blanche in closing schools and firing teachers and PSRPs
negotiated the dreadful 5 year contract without job protection for members
depleted the CTU treasury of $5.5 mil surplus and created a $6 mil debt.
If Lynch were re-elected* and did NOTHING from 2004-2007, we would be better off.
*She actually may have been re-elected. The AFT ignored volumes of evidence that was presented proving fraud, over 1,000 missing ballots, ghost voters, etc.
‘It was fair to give Stewart's people a chance in 2007’
– really?
Was it fair that the Stewart administration spent three years lying, cheating and stealing from the members and blaming it on Lynch? Has the UPC ever played fair? This is a union.
‘It will be good when Stewart gets defeated in 2010’
- if there’s anything left of the union
In order for a coalition to succeed:
it needs to be open and available to all union members
it needs to keep from being distracted by personal insults and attacks
it needs to be a forceful presence at House meetings
it needs to gain respect from delegates and members
it needs to have strong leadership and the ability to communicate effectively with all CTU members
it needs people to check their egos at the door and work for the common good
Can a new coalition defeat the UPC? Yes, it will take dedicated and capable union members, but it may be the only way to save the CTU.
‘It was good for the CTU that Lynch beat Reese in 2001’
– Yes
‘It was good for the CTU that Stewart beat Lynch in 2004’
– not so sure
The Stewart Administration (among other things):
refused to enforce the Contact
refused to help the PATs
allowed Ren 2010 proceed without meaningful opposition
made amendments to the 2004 Contract without membership approval
raised CTU staff salaries and benefits (over $1.2 mil a year)
removed hundreds of members from CTU committees
gave Daley and Duncan Carte blanche in closing schools and firing teachers and PSRPs
negotiated the dreadful 5 year contract without job protection for members
depleted the CTU treasury of $5.5 mil surplus and created a $6 mil debt.
If Lynch were re-elected* and did NOTHING from 2004-2007, we would be better off.
*She actually may have been re-elected. The AFT ignored volumes of evidence that was presented proving fraud, over 1,000 missing ballots, ghost voters, etc.
‘It was fair to give Stewart's people a chance in 2007’
– really?
Was it fair that the Stewart administration spent three years lying, cheating and stealing from the members and blaming it on Lynch? Has the UPC ever played fair? This is a union.
‘It will be good when Stewart gets defeated in 2010’
- if there’s anything left of the union
In order for a coalition to succeed:
it needs to be open and available to all union members
it needs to keep from being distracted by personal insults and attacks
it needs to be a forceful presence at House meetings
it needs to gain respect from delegates and members
it needs to have strong leadership and the ability to communicate effectively with all CTU members
it needs people to check their egos at the door and work for the common good
Can a new coalition defeat the UPC? Yes, it will take dedicated and capable union members, but it may be the only way to save the CTU.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 1:16 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
In order for a coalition to succeed:
1. it needs to be open and available to all union members
2. it needs to keep from being distracted by personal insults and attacks
3. it needs to be a forceful presence at House meetings
4. it needs to gain respect from delegates and members
5. it needs to have strong leadership and the ability to communicate effectively with all CTU members
6. it needs people to check their egos at the door and work for the common good
Can a new coalition defeat the UPC? NO.
The UPC may not be the greatest but it is well established organization, with a large following.
The "Coalition" has failed at statements 1-6:
1. You must bash Marilyn, CTU, AFT, IFT and UPC. If you won't you must be CTU staff.
2. Members sling mudd, insults, theats,insults at all who have a different opinion
3. Not a forceful prescence at House meeting: very negative prescence.
4. Not respected by majority of house; lseen for what they really are: loved by a few on this blog site.
5. Communication skills: lol
6. Huge Ego's......
Of course there will be some very nasty, insulting, post directed at me because I posted anonymously and do not agree with or follow the coalition.....and so what.
Alex, never in a million years.
1. it needs to be open and available to all union members
2. it needs to keep from being distracted by personal insults and attacks
3. it needs to be a forceful presence at House meetings
4. it needs to gain respect from delegates and members
5. it needs to have strong leadership and the ability to communicate effectively with all CTU members
6. it needs people to check their egos at the door and work for the common good
Can a new coalition defeat the UPC? NO.
The UPC may not be the greatest but it is well established organization, with a large following.
The "Coalition" has failed at statements 1-6:
1. You must bash Marilyn, CTU, AFT, IFT and UPC. If you won't you must be CTU staff.
2. Members sling mudd, insults, theats,insults at all who have a different opinion
3. Not a forceful prescence at House meeting: very negative prescence.
4. Not respected by majority of house; lseen for what they really are: loved by a few on this blog site.
5. Communication skills: lol
6. Huge Ego's......
Of course there will be some very nasty, insulting, post directed at me because I posted anonymously and do not agree with or follow the coalition.....and so what.
Alex, never in a million years.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 2:37 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Fri May 16, 2008 at 4:30 PMBy: What's so new about...
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
What is so new about this coalition?
Isn't it being headed by Ted Dallas?
Ted is the big man......
Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 8:47 PMBy: Chris to by:1:04
CTU President Wants Respect -- From Her Own Treasurer
Dear by:1:04
The Coalition would like to work with all members regardless of affiliation.TD is known by his former colleagues as a good and effective delegate from Wells.
We can not reject any experienced Union activist at this time.
Welcome TD,DL and others with the ability to help us to remove MS from her post.We have to stop destruction and corruption-it is to be or not to be for ALL of us.Next election?it is a long way to go...Theln we will make a decision -the best one for the future of our profession in the City.
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
What is so new about this coalition?
Isn't it being headed by Ted Dallas?
Ted is the big man......
Tue Apr 29, 2008 at 8:47 PMBy: Chris to by:1:04
CTU President Wants Respect -- From Her Own Treasurer
Dear by:1:04
The Coalition would like to work with all members regardless of affiliation.TD is known by his former colleagues as a good and effective delegate from Wells.
We can not reject any experienced Union activist at this time.
Welcome TD,DL and others with the ability to help us to remove MS from her post.We have to stop destruction and corruption-it is to be or not to be for ALL of us.Next election?it is a long way to go...Theln we will make a decision -the best one for the future of our profession in the City.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 4:37 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
The following are quotes from Marilyn Stewart's script, as reported on the CTU Website (dated a week after she supposedly delivered them to the House of Delegates:
"To reiterate...
"No contracts beyond the term of the president
"Hire a Director of Finance...and ....
"Continue to make budget cuts to streamline operations.
"This fiscal crisis we now face was years in the making. "Unfortunately, we cannot change the past. We can only take actions to ensure that history won’t repeat itself. I promise you I will continue do this, as we move forward. As your president, I take responsibility for my part in getting us in the situation and I take responsibility for getting us out. It will not be easy, but I promise you the following three things as we work together to solve this problem:
"1. Information:
You will receive timely and accurate information that reflects our true financial picture. The House of Delegates deserves information and transparency in our budget review, and you will have it..
"2. Oversight
With the new director of finance and revamped spending and reimbursement policies, this union will have consistent oversight to make sure we live within our means, pay our obligations and build a reserve for the future.
"Finally.....
"3. Accountability
"Regardless of their origin, these problems are now ours to solve and solve in a way that does not reduce the strength of our union or quality of service to our members. I am not playing the blame game here..."
These words are amazing, given the fact that the CTU website is a model of dishonesty and lack of transparency.
If Marilyn Stewart wants to provide information to the members of the CTU about the mess she helped create, why does the CTU website, on which her text is posted, not include the exact wording, with dollars attached, for every penny CTU has spent during the past year on every person who has been paid by CTU?
When corporations had to face the music of the "Dot Com" bubble's burst (Enron etc.) eight years ago, "transparency" was also preached, and in some cases practiced. In fact, there is not a major publicly traded corporation in the USA that doesn't provide all of the information to its shareholders (and the public via the SEC website) on its operations, including compensation of its executives and directors.
The same is true of most unions in the USA. Even most of the locals of the American Federation of Teachers comply with federal labor law and file the annual LM2 information, which members then can retrieve from the U.S. government's web sites.
Yet here we are two weeks from the May CTU meeting at which Marilyn Stewart supposedly pledge "transparency" and there is not one bit of information on the CTU website about the employee contracts she paid during the past five years, about how much the union's lawyers were paid during the past three years, or about the contracts she had entered into (it's her signature on all of those; what does she mean "I didn't realize..."?) for the people who are working at CTU now and into the future.
The May 7 House of Delegates meeting was a continuation of the Marilyn Stewart cover up.
If there were any transparency in CTU finances, the information would already be at www.ctunet.com for every person reading this to read. Instead, we get the words of a speech, without one additional bit of information.
Chicago teachers are paying $870 per year this year in dues to the Chicago Teachers Union. For what? To have the most ridiculous union website in the teachers' union movement and to have our intelligence insulted by the posting of stuff like that drivel in the speech Marilyn Stewart supposedly delivered on May 7 (note the date on the Web version).
Lies. Darned lies. Expensive lies. Hypocrites' lies.
"To reiterate...
"No contracts beyond the term of the president
"Hire a Director of Finance...and ....
"Continue to make budget cuts to streamline operations.
"This fiscal crisis we now face was years in the making. "Unfortunately, we cannot change the past. We can only take actions to ensure that history won’t repeat itself. I promise you I will continue do this, as we move forward. As your president, I take responsibility for my part in getting us in the situation and I take responsibility for getting us out. It will not be easy, but I promise you the following three things as we work together to solve this problem:
"1. Information:
You will receive timely and accurate information that reflects our true financial picture. The House of Delegates deserves information and transparency in our budget review, and you will have it..
"2. Oversight
With the new director of finance and revamped spending and reimbursement policies, this union will have consistent oversight to make sure we live within our means, pay our obligations and build a reserve for the future.
"Finally.....
"3. Accountability
"Regardless of their origin, these problems are now ours to solve and solve in a way that does not reduce the strength of our union or quality of service to our members. I am not playing the blame game here..."
These words are amazing, given the fact that the CTU website is a model of dishonesty and lack of transparency.
If Marilyn Stewart wants to provide information to the members of the CTU about the mess she helped create, why does the CTU website, on which her text is posted, not include the exact wording, with dollars attached, for every penny CTU has spent during the past year on every person who has been paid by CTU?
When corporations had to face the music of the "Dot Com" bubble's burst (Enron etc.) eight years ago, "transparency" was also preached, and in some cases practiced. In fact, there is not a major publicly traded corporation in the USA that doesn't provide all of the information to its shareholders (and the public via the SEC website) on its operations, including compensation of its executives and directors.
The same is true of most unions in the USA. Even most of the locals of the American Federation of Teachers comply with federal labor law and file the annual LM2 information, which members then can retrieve from the U.S. government's web sites.
Yet here we are two weeks from the May CTU meeting at which Marilyn Stewart supposedly pledge "transparency" and there is not one bit of information on the CTU website about the employee contracts she paid during the past five years, about how much the union's lawyers were paid during the past three years, or about the contracts she had entered into (it's her signature on all of those; what does she mean "I didn't realize..."?) for the people who are working at CTU now and into the future.
The May 7 House of Delegates meeting was a continuation of the Marilyn Stewart cover up.
If there were any transparency in CTU finances, the information would already be at www.ctunet.com for every person reading this to read. Instead, we get the words of a speech, without one additional bit of information.
Chicago teachers are paying $870 per year this year in dues to the Chicago Teachers Union. For what? To have the most ridiculous union website in the teachers' union movement and to have our intelligence insulted by the posting of stuff like that drivel in the speech Marilyn Stewart supposedly delivered on May 7 (note the date on the Web version).
Lies. Darned lies. Expensive lies. Hypocrites' lies.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 4:41 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Just to take one small example of the hypocrisy discussed above:
As we're reporting (May Substance) the day after her "reelection" Marilyn Stewart signed a contract to "work" part-time for the Illinois Federation of Teachers for an amount (beginning at $90,000 per year) that is greater than the average Chicago teacher is being paid working full-time. In addition to pay which will increase each year, Stewart is getting an IFT "pension" on top of the two pensions she is getting through her job with CTU.
And that "part time" IFT job is contracted until December 2010.
But the next CTU election is in May 2010.
Unless Marilyn is as bad at chronology as she was at budget math, December 2010 is after May 2010, so she already has a contract that violates her supposed promises.
How does one spell hypocrisy?
As we're reporting (May Substance) the day after her "reelection" Marilyn Stewart signed a contract to "work" part-time for the Illinois Federation of Teachers for an amount (beginning at $90,000 per year) that is greater than the average Chicago teacher is being paid working full-time. In addition to pay which will increase each year, Stewart is getting an IFT "pension" on top of the two pensions she is getting through her job with CTU.
And that "part time" IFT job is contracted until December 2010.
But the next CTU election is in May 2010.
Unless Marilyn is as bad at chronology as she was at budget math, December 2010 is after May 2010, so she already has a contract that violates her supposed promises.
How does one spell hypocrisy?
Sun May 18, 2008 at 4:50 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
It is not a formal caucus as you know it.
As far as UPC.
It is DOA.
It only exists by those vested in it by their monetary obligations to themselves.
Ted is a speaker in the coalition, but as far as I know there is no "leader" technically he is still in charge of the UPC until a judge says otherwise.
The only following UPC has is those that still believe Marilyn has not sold the union out.
In the coming weeks I will document not only all the deceptive statements Marilyn and the auditors made at the May House meeting but I will start to outline all the give backs that Stewart negotiated into the contract and lost opportunities for membership gains that are clearly outlined in the CPS 2007 financial report.
As far as what’s new?
At least I know, I do not stand on a stage and lie by saying there will be no more contracts past the term of elected office when there is a contracted with the president’s signature that goes past her elected term.
CTU Office Staff Agree 07-11
That is deception plain and simple.
That is only one out of at least 10 documented lies she stated that night. All is documented and being processed as part of her own transparency directive to all the rank and file members.
There are also all those legal fees and payouts that are being researched as part of the public records of the circuit court of cook county.
That is deception plain and simple.
So what is new?
The news that is what is new.
The news that will be coming out everyday slowly and accurately.
I love my new hobby.
You do know that is why I do this? To use my research skills and apply what I learned in all those ed leadership classes i just finished. What is great is there is no winning or losing for me. I have only experience to gain and can walk away at anytime I do not have a 200k job or thirty year investment to protect.
Trust me there are more people like me out here that there oh=f you all making that easy money living off the backs of the rank and file,
heck there is even discussion of cutting any extra pay or benefits out completely out of union administrative positions to exactly exclude the "I made and and now I am staying to collect" attitude.
So all you well established organization, with a large following. get ready for the ride of your career there is a new breed in the house!
Oh keep those condescending comments coming,
Each one will be followed by another quote of Marilyn lying.
Yes each time you insult or demean a rank and file member of the union a documented lie will be posted in response.
These are not attacks on Marilyn just our duty to follow the directive she outlined as our president in her May House address.
1. Information:
You will receive timely and accurate information that reflects our true financial picture. The House of Delegates deserves information and transparency in our budget review, and you will have it..
As far as UPC.
It is DOA.
It only exists by those vested in it by their monetary obligations to themselves.
Ted is a speaker in the coalition, but as far as I know there is no "leader" technically he is still in charge of the UPC until a judge says otherwise.
The only following UPC has is those that still believe Marilyn has not sold the union out.
In the coming weeks I will document not only all the deceptive statements Marilyn and the auditors made at the May House meeting but I will start to outline all the give backs that Stewart negotiated into the contract and lost opportunities for membership gains that are clearly outlined in the CPS 2007 financial report.
As far as what’s new?
At least I know, I do not stand on a stage and lie by saying there will be no more contracts past the term of elected office when there is a contracted with the president’s signature that goes past her elected term.
CTU Office Staff Agree 07-11
That is deception plain and simple.
That is only one out of at least 10 documented lies she stated that night. All is documented and being processed as part of her own transparency directive to all the rank and file members.
There are also all those legal fees and payouts that are being researched as part of the public records of the circuit court of cook county.
That is deception plain and simple.
So what is new?
The news that is what is new.
The news that will be coming out everyday slowly and accurately.
I love my new hobby.
You do know that is why I do this? To use my research skills and apply what I learned in all those ed leadership classes i just finished. What is great is there is no winning or losing for me. I have only experience to gain and can walk away at anytime I do not have a 200k job or thirty year investment to protect.
Trust me there are more people like me out here that there oh=f you all making that easy money living off the backs of the rank and file,
heck there is even discussion of cutting any extra pay or benefits out completely out of union administrative positions to exactly exclude the "I made and and now I am staying to collect" attitude.
So all you well established organization, with a large following. get ready for the ride of your career there is a new breed in the house!
Oh keep those condescending comments coming,
Each one will be followed by another quote of Marilyn lying.
Yes each time you insult or demean a rank and file member of the union a documented lie will be posted in response.
These are not attacks on Marilyn just our duty to follow the directive she outlined as our president in her May House address.
1. Information:
You will receive timely and accurate information that reflects our true financial picture. The House of Delegates deserves information and transparency in our budget review, and you will have it..
Sun May 18, 2008 at 5:11 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
How much does a car detailing cost?
this is just a reminder for me to look something up later in the week and post the information when there are more readers.
damn im having fun.
this is just a reminder for me to look something up later in the week and post the information when there are more readers.
damn im having fun.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 6:17 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
How many caucuses are in the CTU now? Besides the UPC, which one is the strongest?
Sun May 18, 2008 at 6:32 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Where can you find a copy of the current CTU Constitution online?
Sun May 18, 2008 at 8:18 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Good morming JUST THE FACTS. I find your post interesting and full of one sided comments. I almost feel like I am replying to the Former Presidient Debbie Lynch, but that's not important right now anyway.
The Fact is that Debbie and Marilyn did exactly the same thing. In December of 2003, Debbie forced the contract down all the delegate's throats, and told us to take it or leave it. THE DELEGATES LEFT IT! In August of 2007, Marilyn did the same thing but added a different dimension to the contract ratification meeting. IT'S CALLED AN ILLEGAL VOTE, WHICH TRANSLATES TO THE DELEGATES WOULD HAVE LEFT IT AGAIN!
It seems as if Stewart has taken small steps to improve some of the Lynch contract language, but this contract falls way to short of Stewart getting re-elected in 2010.
But, Just the Facts, understand this. Debbie Lynch CANNOT get elected in 2010 either. Just the Facts, you must face the facts. Union activists need to find common ground to stand a chance! Politics is not personal, it just business.
The Fact is that Debbie and Marilyn did exactly the same thing. In December of 2003, Debbie forced the contract down all the delegate's throats, and told us to take it or leave it. THE DELEGATES LEFT IT! In August of 2007, Marilyn did the same thing but added a different dimension to the contract ratification meeting. IT'S CALLED AN ILLEGAL VOTE, WHICH TRANSLATES TO THE DELEGATES WOULD HAVE LEFT IT AGAIN!
It seems as if Stewart has taken small steps to improve some of the Lynch contract language, but this contract falls way to short of Stewart getting re-elected in 2010.
But, Just the Facts, understand this. Debbie Lynch CANNOT get elected in 2010 either. Just the Facts, you must face the facts. Union activists need to find common ground to stand a chance! Politics is not personal, it just business.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 8:22 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Small steps, what about all the givebacks in this contract? The only gain I see in the MS contract is the three year tenure, and I'm not so sure that's a big deal. Only time will tell.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Good morning:
You can find it on http://coalitionsdu.org click on BLOG -you wil be able to open pdf Constitution and by-laws file.
You can find it on http://coalitionsdu.org click on BLOG -you wil be able to open pdf Constitution and by-laws file.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Thank you for your comments. We all are in the learning curve.
I am not going to make another joke...just e mail me if you want .
I am not going to make another joke...just e mail me if you want .
Sun May 18, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
To gethe union working and smart copy the link below and share it with others you know.
Transparency.
constitution.PDF
how-to-run-a-meeting.pdf
Transparency.
constitution.PDF
how-to-run-a-meeting.pdf
Sun May 18, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
DO NOT BE A COMMODITY.USE YOUR BRAIN.
Sun May 18, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
Is there anyone reading this blog who would have turned down the offer of a part time job at the IFT paying $90,000? Of course not. So stop hating.
Mon May 19, 2008 at 2:00 AM
Does "The Coalition" Stand A Chance?
"How many caucuses are in the CTU now? Besides the UPC, which one is the strongest?" (Retired Principal, yesterday)...
Here is a bit of an answer. For people who don't know, a "caucus" in a union is like a political party: a group of people with a common program who contest in elections for power.
1. United Progressive Caucus (UPC). Marilyn Stewart, union staff, and a dwindling number of fans who are not paid union salaries (full or part-time). UPC has been meeting at a north side restaurant, although you could say they also meet daily at the Merchandise Mart. Headed by Marilyn Stewart.
2. "The Coalition". A growing number of people, including former UPCers Ted Dallas and Linda Porter, whose meetings have numbered about 45 people each of the past two months. UPCDU has been meeting once a month at the Parthenon Restaurant.
3. PACT (ProActive Chicago Teachers and School Workers), the
Here is a bit of an answer. For people who don't know, a "caucus" in a union is like a political party: a group of people with a common program who contest in elections for power.
1. United Progressive Caucus (UPC). Marilyn Stewart, union staff, and a dwindling number of fans who are not paid union salaries (full or part-time). UPC has been meeting at a north side restaurant, although you could say they also meet daily at the Merchandise Mart. Headed by Marilyn Stewart.
2. "The Coalition". A growing number of people, including former UPCers Ted Dallas and Linda Porter, whose meetings have numbered about 45 people each of the past two months. UPCDU has been meeting once a month at the Parthenon Restaurant.
3. PACT (ProActive Chicago Teachers and School Workers), the