UTR Teachers Organizing

Unhappy Richmond teachers organizing
By Shelly MeronContra Costa Times
Posted: 11/17/2009 05:03:21 PM PST
Updated: 11/18/2009 09:08:30 AM PST

A group of West Contra Costa teachers who are unhappy with their union leadership have successfully pushed for a members' meeting next month, and they are once again raising the possibility of a strike. Those members say they are mobilizing following a controversial vote and recount on a tentative agreement with the district earlier this month.

"We're still organizing. And we will continue to organize until we're heard," said Diane Brown, a teacher at Stege Elementary School. She characterized the current relationship between United Teachers of Richmond leaders and members as "very strained," saying recent exchanges have been hostile and that a change in leadership is needed.

Union president Pixie Hayward Schickele and executive director Rick Willis could not be reached for comment. Brown said she hoped the Dec. 14 members meeting would be a chance to openly discuss concerns about the union's bargaining team, the recent tentative agreement, leadership changes, future negotiations, and the possibility of a strike.

"We want a fair contract and working conditions in which we can teach students," Brown said. "(Union leaders) didn't listen to members, and when we were in opposition after learning what was happening, they turned hostile on us." Brown added that she is in support of going on a short-term strike, and that United Teachers of Richmond has the support of other local unions.

District spokesman Marin Trujillo Advertisement said Tuesday that school officials haven't heard anything from the union about returning to the negotiating table or going on strike, but he added that district officials were eager to work out an agreement.

Earlier this month, union members voted to approve a tentative agreement with the school district with just a nine-vote margin. After teachers complained of voting irregularities, a recount was done last week that resulted in a rejection of the agreement by 34 votes.

One of the issues raised by critics was the wording of the ballot. Members could choose to vote "Yes, I vote to ratify the tentative agreement," or "No, I vote to go on strike." "The way that the ballot was actually worded was biased from the beginning," Brown said. "It pitted members against members.

We asked that it be changed to a simple yes or no (on the tentative agreement). They said the ballots were already printed, and that there's nothing left to bargain." It is unclear if union leaders now will move forward with a strike or return to talks with the school district.
Reach Shelly Meron at 510-243-3578. Follow her at Twitter.com/shellymeron.=