Labor Issues

By Susan Elliott

The teachers feel they were treated unfairly and they are still upset. They do not feel respected. As a result, their union, the TVEA, now plans to spend approximately $50,000 on advertising to put the candidates of their choice into office on the School Board. They're doing this to ensure that they will be heard this upcoming term. Whether this is the appropriate response, or will only lead to further partisanship, has yet to be decided.

But what about the students? The community at large? Were they treated fairly during the labor disputes? Our children suffered, due to teacher sick-outs and their "work-to-rule" tactics. As a community we have not been served well in the way these contract negotiations have been addressed. Trust among all groups: parents, teachers, students, administrators, and the Board have eroded.

Misinformation, including disputes over the funds available for teachers' salaries, has been touted as the root cause for the problems between the board and our educators. Whether intentional or not, clearly they are not communicating properly and affording the respective parties the respect they are due. We must employ active listening skills and rebuild trust. This is what I will address and encourage if elected.