The Mindset on Unionism by One Teacher in 1973

The Mindset on Unionism by One Teacher in 1973 - 1 of 2
In pursuit of the truth – www.cinopsbegone.com – Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Assemblyman Leroy F. Greene, Chairman, Education Committee, State Capitol, Sacramento 95814

Dear Assemblyman Greene, June 29, 1973

I don’t believe legislator Bob Moretti realizes the consequences of his legislation, Assembly Bill 1243 (Collective Bargaining Procedures) as it applies to teachers. There may be some merit for other public employees but not for teachers and especially not for the education or our children.

For one a hundred years CTA has been fighting this kind of legislation. Read their educational positions and editorials right up to 1968. Briefly, collective bargaining is by its nature not conducive to the best interests of the teaching profession and the education of children. What has been valid for over one hundred years is also valid today?

Why did the CTA leadership change its position? There are at least two reasons, financial and a so-called teacher power and control of education. Up to 1968, a teacher was able to join his local organization only. Then came the gimmicks of unified dues and teacher power. You cannot join your local organization unless you also join the CTA and the NEA (National Education Association).

As a result many teachers are not members of any organization. Unified dues in various districts are from $135 to $165 or more per year. [Today they are about $1,000, or more.] CTA is eyeing the dues of these non-members for educational and political power, lobbying and influence in school board elections and legislative bills.

It is also a question of teacher integrity and freedom to teach. AB 1243 is treading on the soul of the educator and the nature of the teaching profession. It legalizes very important aspects of our profession. For example, fifty one percent of the teachers in a school district will be able to force the other 49% of the teachers to join their union, or pay agency dues, or else lose their jobs.

It takes away the rights of the minority, and can subject the minority to discrimination and abuse of power by the shop stewards because we are independent minded, and in particular upsets the whole pattern of authority of the principal with a school.

Are you required to join a union to run or retain your job as a legislator? It is rather ridiculous isn’t it? Well please don’t hand this albatross around our necks! …

George H. Kubeck the above was hand written and will be continued

P.S. One purpose of the above is to understand the behavior of union teachers in Madison, Wisconsin. Legalized union ideas in the teaching profession have consequences. Unionism was never intended for the teaching profession. It’s a bonanza for the leftists and tragedy for the education of our children.