Where do we go from Here?
By Cecily Myart-Cruz Emerson Middle School & West Area Chair
We now have a contract approved by over 90% of our members who voted in record numbers. Kudos to the Duffy Administration. In 18 months his administration has negotiated 8.5% raises; two years of unchanged health benefits; first time ever class-size reduction; first time ever class-size caps and enhanced protection for chapter chairs at school sites. Bravo! We have won a battle, but not the war. There is much work to do. We have to ratify this contract and begin negotiations right away with our re-openers to build upon the gains that have been made. We didn’t get everything we wanted. But we did get the district to see that we are strong and mean business. The rallies worked! Not just the December rally, but the rally for Crenshaw Senior High School UTLA Chapter Chair, Alex Caputo-Pearl. The faculty boycotts worked. The red T-Shirt Tuesdays worked. The informational picketing for parents worked. The fact is that when we are mobilized and united, the district pays attention. Now we need to continue building our mobilization so we can flex our muscles when the time comes again. In order to continue to mobilize as a united fighting force, we need to put our past differences aside and focus on the membership, who so often feels disenfranchised. Many UTLA members at the school sites scratch their heads at all the internal bickering. We need to set aside these differences and stand together to work for the betterment of our membership, our students and public education. TFC believes that it is UTLA, the most progressive force in public education in LA, who must lead the way. That is why we always call for unity. Unity is strength and that strength must be marshaled to finish the job we have started. Recent events with the pay check debacle points clearly to the corrupt ineptitude of the district. We applaud the leadership for working with the district to try to fix the problem while at the same time taking proactive measures like filing grievances, going to court, and calling for an investigation of the company that brought us to the brink of disaster. We must stay strong and united in order to beat this beast called LAUSD.
What is This Thing Called PACE?
by Carole Latter Wilshire Crest Elementary & West Area NEA Board of Directors
You've heard about it. You've been asked to join. But what is it? PACE (Political Action Council of Educators) is a committee of dedicated political activists, who meet once a month to discuss and recommend actions that should be taken by the Los Angeles School Board, Sacramento and Washington DC. It is one of the most important tools UTLA members have. The many issues where PACE was recently involved included the fight against Social Security benefit reductions and amending the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT and PACE was driving force in defeating all of Governor Schwarzenegger’s ballot initiative in 2005. PACE is also involved in endorsing and supporting political candidates that must go through a thorough screening process. First, a questionnaire is submitted by the potential candidate. This is followed by an in-depth interview with a select panel of UTLA members. The recommendation then goes to the full PACE committee. After which, it continues to the Board of Directors and then the House of Representatives. It is at the House that the final endorsement is made. Being a PACE member allows you to participate in these highly debated issues. Your membership sends a message that UTLA is union that demands fair working conditions and contracts. PACE is the political strength we need to end "collective begging". With a strong PACE commitment our representative, Bill Lambert, can lobby for the things we have been demanding: better salaries, reduction in off site administrators, lower class size, appropriate testing schedules and protection of retirement benefits. The PACE committee meets at the UTLA building. All members of PACE are welcome to participate in hot discussions dealing with candidates, legislation and issues that effect our union. It's not hard to become a PACE member. All you have to do is let your chapter chair know you want to join. He/she will give you a PACE application. Fill it out and send it in. The cost is $8.33 a month (less than a movie). The benefit is a stronger union and A powerful membership that makes a difference in local, state and national politics. PACE membership assures you a voice in your future. Don’t stand on the sidelines. Join PACE now.
