2011-Looking Back. If ever there was a time that our Union had to pull together it was this year. In February the most offensive and formidable challenge to our rights and our livelihoods that we have ever seen was thrown at us by the Governor and the General Assembly in Senate Bill 5. A coalition of public employee and private sector unions, faith-based groups, friends, families, Democrats and Republicans pushed back and prevailed in our defeat of Issue 2. A special thanks to those of you who road the bus to Columbus, rallied at the Statehouse and in our local communities, collected signatures on the repeal petitions, called and wrote legislators, gave money, worked the phone banks, and knocked on doors. A collateral benefit of this crisis was the fact that we saw new and younger members emerge as political activists. We know some of you were unable to participate because of family obligations or other demands; but those of you who chose not to get involved owe a debt of gratitude to our colleagues who stepped up.
2012-Looking Ahead. As we begin a new year we will be immersed in other contentious struggles; this time over the voucher bill (HB 136) which is nothing less than another attempt to privatize public education in Ohio. We can not let up on our political activity as the onerous provisions of HB 153, the budget bill, that impact teacher evaluation and compensation can only be removed or modified if we elect legislators who are committed to public education and the rights of public employees.
In addition, much of our work will focus on the Race to the Top initiative especially as it relates to the development of a pilot teacher evaluation system. We are planning our Union Comes to You lunch meetings for February and our Local 795 officers election is slated for March. Four of our ten elected officers are ending their terms and will not run again.
Union Office Hours. The Union Office will be open intermittently during the winter break. We will be closed Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd. Please e mail or call first if you need an appointment or services as office hours are reduced due to the holidays.
Holidays & Winter Break. Wishing an enjoyable winter break and festive holiday season, both of which are richly deserved. Hope 2012 is a productive and happy year for you and your families.
Fraternally,
Tom Schmida, President