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Missy
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1038 total posts
Name:
missy
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Excessed spinoff..union
Has anyone stopped paying Vote cope? I was so annoyed with my union after I was excessed last year ( i was hired back part-time this year) that I haven't contributed this year. I contributed every year before this. My union keeps putting letters in my mailbox, but I just toss them...I feel like it is a waste of money...
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Posted 3/30/12 6:03 PM  |
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Michmouse
LIF Adult
Member since 11/07 1260 total posts
Name:
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
My friend was in a similar situation and she felt bullied so she gave in and contributed. The union reps kept coming by- no mailbox memos. It's hardcore.
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| Posted 3/30/12 6:12 PM |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
Can I ask why the union is to blame for being excessed?
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| Posted 3/30/12 6:21 PM |
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Missy
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1038 total posts
Name:
missy
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
Well, instead of taking a vote on Whether or not to take a pay freeze, my union pres felt she had the right to make the decision for everyone and not take a freeze. I Would have accepted this if the whole union decided, but to me, that is not how a union works. Everyone should have had a say.
My pres also suggested I move out of state to find a teaching job....
Message edited 3/30/2012 6:31:37 PM.
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| Posted 3/30/12 6:28 PM |
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CAMCaps
Live Laugh Love Run
Member since 6/07 4922 total posts
Name:
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
I would not say the union is responsible for you being excessed although I completely understand your need to vent as I am in a similar position. It is frustrating when the union does nothing to support the people who are being laid off or reduced (40+ FTE at my school). Over 10% of the union is being directly affected by this and 100% of the union is being indirectly affected by larger class sizes, fewer services for needy students, etc. Right now, my union is "trying" to work out a possible concession, which will be voted on at a later, undetermined date.
I understand this is the legislatures/governor's fault as they have drastically reduced state aid, while implementing a tax levy cap and requiring schools to pay a gap elimination adjustment - which is a HIDDEN tax that no one in the general public seems to be aware of. Since January, I have done extensive research on educational funding in NYS. I have written to all of my state representatives almost everyday for the last 3 weeks. So far, I have gotten one response....
Public education is going to turn into an issue of the haves and have nots. Poor students will be forced to go to sub-par public schools, which can barely afford mandated program, while wealthier students will be able to attend private schools which will be able to offer exceptional programs. There are schools by me that are being forced to close this year if their residents do not approve a 7% tax levy increase by a super majority (60% +1) since there is NOTHING left to cut - the only programs left at these schools are mandated programs.
ETA: My Union President told me to get pregnant and start a family as I can be called back for the next seven years if a position opens up and most women like to stay home with their young children anyway.
Message edited 3/31/2012 9:03:57 AM.
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| Posted 3/31/12 8:21 AM |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
Posted by Missy
Well, instead of taking a vote on Whether or not to take a pay freeze, my union pres felt she had the right to make the decision for everyone and not take a freeze. I Would have accepted this if the whole union decided, but to me, that is not how a union works. Everyone should have had a say.
My pres also suggested I move out of state to find a teaching job....
This is quite selfish of a union president. You don't have a negotiations committee in your district? We have one that consists of union officers, retirees and current member. That decision should never be made unanimously.
The union and the district should work together on things such as contract negotiations because it helps the district with their budget too!
I am so sorry you are going through this!
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| Posted 4/3/12 5:51 AM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
VOTE COPE has nothing to do with your union. It's a PAC that lobbies Albany for legislation that benefits teachers. So by not contributing, you actually could be hurting yourself more.
They say .1% of your salary
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| Posted 4/3/12 8:48 PM |
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Missy
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1038 total posts
Name:
missy
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
We do have a committee, but I guess since she is the president she ultimately made the final decision...she is also retiring in 2 years and of course would want the highest salary possible at this point. I have never heard of this happening in another district....I am disgusted with my union at this point...
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| Posted 4/3/12 8:58 PM |
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Missy
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1038 total posts
Name:
missy
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
Erica, it's not that I don't have the money. I have been contributing the past 11 years of my career. I have also been excessed from 3 districts and lose my job every 3-4 years...at this point, I feel my contribution is a waste and has done nothing to save my job.
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| Posted 4/3/12 9:02 PM |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
Posted by Missy
We do have a committee, but I guess since she is the president she ultimately made the final decision...she is also retiring in 2 years and of course would want the highest salary possible at this point. I have never heard of this happening in another district....I am disgusted with my union at this point...
This is so upsetting that someone who is a union president would be so selfish. I'm so sorry
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| Posted 4/4/12 6:20 PM |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: Excessed spinoff..union
Posted by Erica
VOTE COPE has nothing to do with your union. It's a PAC that lobbies Albany for legislation that benefits teachers. So by not contributing, you actually could be hurting yourself more.
They say .1% of your salary
This is not entirely true. A percentage of your VOTE COPE money goes to your local union. It is used for political action at the local union level for lobbying, budget votes and erc...
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| Posted 4/4/12 6:21 PM |
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