Posted on 07/31/2014 7:02:53 AM PDT by george76
The teachers’ union representing the Douglas County school system has lost one-quarter of its membership since last year, signaling a growing frustration within the ranks that dues are used to finance politics instead of professional development.
The significant drop in membership of the Douglas County Federation (DCF) was revealed in a July 21 letter from the board of education to Courtney Smith, union president, and was based on the union’s most recently released tax returns.
The letter pointed to the drop in membership as undeniable proof that teachers had chosen the district over the union and the need for major changes within the organization.
The letter called for union leaders to “unequivocally reject” five financial practices, including the use of dues for elections and a means of political leverage on the board, demands the district pay dues without providing a return of services, and failing to use union funds for professional teacher development.
“You should strongly stand for not pulling money out of the classroom to run a union,” said the letter signed by Kevin Larsen, board president, and Doug Benevento, vice president.
The school board officials noted that prior union leadership had remained uncommitted to its members and their professional development, and instead pushed funds towards political endeavors and seemingly subjective wage scales.
“It was a system that left the impression of cronyism,” said the letter. “Your leadership should put teachers first.”
Benevento told The Observer in an interview that board officials believe even more members may have left the union since the last numbers were provided.
“That was a year ago,” Benevento said. “I think their membership is probably even more significantly down by now.”
Union-backed board candidates were defeated in the last 11 elections in Douglas County
(Excerpt) Read more at thecoloradoobserver.com ...
I guess the unions did not get them hooked on Colorado Loco weed soon enough before the election.
Unions exist solely to enrich union bosses and elect DemocRats.
Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)
Follow Scott Walker’s example in WI and those rates will drop another 50% or more.
Every time a union loses membership an Angel gets their wings.
LOL welcome to the union!
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