Capistrano teachers vote resounding “Yes” to strike authorization
Authorization vote does not mandate strike—gives CUEA Executive Board right to call one if necessary
ALISO VIEJO - “Capistrano teachers have drawn a line to protect our schools and our profession, and sometimes that line is a picket line,” said Capistrano Unified Education Association President Vicki Soderberg, announcing the overwhelming 87 percent thumb’s up from Capistrano Unified School District’s 2,200 teachers in the April 15-16 vote.
With 85 percent of eligible teachers casting ballots, 1,600 CUEA members voted “yes” and 248 voted “no.” The vote does not compel an immediate strike. Instead, it authorizes CUEA’s Executive Board to initiate one if the CUSD Board of Education refuses to revoke its unilaterally imposed contract of permanent, over-the-top cuts in wages and benefits totaling more than ten percent.
“A strike has never been what teachers wanted,” said Soderberg, “but this thundering strike authorization vote - with teachers at many school sites voting 100 percent in favor - shows just how fed up we are with this board’s harsh, dictatorial behavior and duplicitous tactics.” The Capistrano board’s permanent cuts go well beyond the mutually-selected neutral fact finder’s reasonable settlement recommendation. They also exceed those in settlements agreed to by teacher groups and school boards throughout Orange County.
“We are so grateful that Capistrano’s parents and students understand that a short-term disruption of school is worth the fight for long-term stability in the district,” said Soderberg. As reported April 15 on the Capistrano Unified School District’s website, approximately 10,000 students - or about one out of every five - boycotted school attendance on April 13 in a parent-led protest of school board actions. “How can we teach our students to stand up to unfair, bullying behavior, if we’re not willing to walk the walk ourselves? There are life lessons that can’t be taught by a test. It is so heartwarming to know that parents and students understand the school board is forcing this action upon us and them.”
Authorization vote does not mandate strike—gives CUEA Executive Board right to call one if necessary
ALISO VIEJO - “Capistrano teachers have drawn a line to protect our schools and our profession, and sometimes that line is a picket line,” said Capistrano Unified Education Association President Vicki Soderberg, announcing the overwhelming 87 percent thumb’s up from Capistrano Unified School District’s 2,200 teachers in the April 15-16 vote.
With 85 percent of eligible teachers casting ballots, 1,600 CUEA members voted “yes” and 248 voted “no.” The vote does not compel an immediate strike. Instead, it authorizes CUEA’s Executive Board to initiate one if the CUSD Board of Education refuses to revoke its unilaterally imposed contract of permanent, over-the-top cuts in wages and benefits totaling more than ten percent.
“A strike has never been what teachers wanted,” said Soderberg, “but this thundering strike authorization vote - with teachers at many school sites voting 100 percent in favor - shows just how fed up we are with this board’s harsh, dictatorial behavior and duplicitous tactics.” The Capistrano board’s permanent cuts go well beyond the mutually-selected neutral fact finder’s reasonable settlement recommendation. They also exceed those in settlements agreed to by teacher groups and school boards throughout Orange County.
“We are so grateful that Capistrano’s parents and students understand that a short-term disruption of school is worth the fight for long-term stability in the district,” said Soderberg. As reported April 15 on the Capistrano Unified School District’s website, approximately 10,000 students - or about one out of every five - boycotted school attendance on April 13 in a parent-led protest of school board actions. “How can we teach our students to stand up to unfair, bullying behavior, if we’re not willing to walk the walk ourselves? There are life lessons that can’t be taught by a test. It is so heartwarming to know that parents and students understand the school board is forcing this action upon us and them.”
God bless the 248 "NO" votes. Cross that picket line! MANY in the public will support you...
Posted by: cross the line | April 17, 2010 at 10:12 AM
The latest on jobs in California.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-caljobs17-2010apr17,0,7129545.story
Posted by: a reality check on what is happening in the rest of the world | April 17, 2010 at 10:19 AM
God is on the teachers side, remember his son Jesus was a teacher!
Posted by: go for it teachers | April 17, 2010 at 10:38 AM
I am so PROUD of you teachers for standing up to these politically motivated bullies! I will continue praying for FAIR resolution for the teachers, and that the TRUTH of the BOT's motivations be revealed.
You have set a courageous example of doing the right thing, teachers. There will always be naysayers, and people who hear "union", and are not discerning enough to look at this individual set of facts for themselves (sheep); but ignore them. Continue to follow your own moral compass! Stay strong!
Posted by: Do the right thing teachers - stay strong! | April 17, 2010 at 11:03 AM
I would not be surprised if the union filed a complaint against the district for failing to bargain in good faith and won. The fact that the district's negotiating team was only willing to meet with teachers face to face one time since the bargaining process begain last spring is good evidence that the Board never intended to negotiate the contract. Shame on the Board for putting our childrens' futures at risk to satisfy their own twisted agendas!
Posted by: socmom | April 17, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Cross the line...
I completely agree with you. The UNION needs to stop threatening and get on with a strike so the union can be broken.
It is high time that the union is shut down.
There are so many eligible laid-off teachers that will gladly take the spots of those who strike.
Teachers-you SHOULD cross the picket line and many parents will support you 100% to do what is right; continue to teach our children.
But, the union will intimidate you and seek revenge if you do not do what they say.
Posted by: Think Clearly | April 17, 2010 at 11:28 AM
The real PARENTS of CUSD are behind the teachers. Period.
Posted by: I support the teachers | April 17, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Here is a questions for the trustees - if the schools are so prepared for the strike, then why is everything shrouded in secrecy? If you have enough substitutes, why not just release the information about how many subs and security guards will be assigned to each school site? Why not direct each principal to release the details of his/her strike plan to parents? Aren't we entitled to at least know what the plan is?
Posted by: socmom | April 17, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Now that a vote has been taken, it is important that ALL teachers support the strike. Partial acceptance will be unsuccessful. Why some teachers think it is "ok" for them to go to work in the event of a strike is beyond me? No excuses of house payments and the need for a paycheck. We all have those needs. One teacher at my site says he will "cross" because he needs to work because he has three kids to support. He's our union rep! This needs to be an all for all or all for nothing. Don't put the families and teachers of CUSD through this if you aren't going to do it big. I hear 40 % of teachers plan to come to work but it is "ok" because they have to. What? Understand what we have just voted for here and do what your majority has voted for or we fail as a unit. Put your money where your mouth is. Don't make half of us do the fight for you. Stand up on your own.
Posted by: All for All or not at All | April 17, 2010 at 11:51 AM
One of my favorite quotes:
“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”
The board needs to do the right thing and resign so WE who care about children and public education can begin to heal and move forward.
I am sorry that it has come to this but I along with my family support the teachers 110%.
Oh, and for those that think I am a teacher I am not- I am a small business owner.
Posted by: Time to resign | April 17, 2010 at 11:51 AM