We have a difficult situation to address in the Fall River Public School System. I am in the process of obtaining additional advice from the legal department of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. I have always attempted to be professional and courteous with people who treat me with respect and dignity, but I also do not shy away from telling the truth.
We have another example of the bullying and intimidation tactics used with teachers by some of the principals and administrators who are part of Nick Fischer's, ahem, leadership team. Here are some sketchy details of a situation that occurred on Friday, October 17, 2008 at a middle school in Fall River.
In my estimation, one of our principals violated Mass General Law Chapter 150-E on Friday. The law gives the union president visitation rights. I have the right to enter a school building, the teacher lounge, and common areas. I do not need an appointment in advance. I do not need to state the purpose of my visit or who specifically I am there to see.
It is interesting to note that administration is trying to keep me out during these volatile times. I have always been able to enter without a hassle along with every other past union president of the FREA. In fact, past practice in Fall River has been that the president is even able to go to classrooms if there is a specific purpose and no disruption is created. What is being hidden? Why was I verbally attacked by a principal? I definitely felt physically threatened when my comfort zone was being invaded. Why did the principal feel a need to yell at me and get into my personal space? Why did the superintendent tell the principal that I could not come back into that school until 2:30?
My basic human rights and my rights as the union president have been violated. All teachers, students, and individuals have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. I need to gain access to school buildings. Teachers may need my assistance as the FREA President. Another middle school principal wants to determine who the union representatives will be in her building. Again, this type of interference with union activities is a violation of the law. There are many other examples of the injustices that are happening in some of our schools. If I am at liberty to tell more in the future, I certainly will. Sharron Machamer, FREA President
5 comments:
Please explain. This letter is vague. Specifics are needed.
Please explain what you mean. This is too vague.
This union has come up with no alternatives for the cuts in the school department. Where are they requesting one time expenses be paid by the City and the costs for health,retirement, and unemployment be transferred back on the City side? There was an article in yesterday's herald news that the City has surplus in monies. Why is a request not being made by the union to use these funds and save the jobs of some of their members.
The city administation "found" the surplus but spent it already. Yesterday we found out the mayor also juggled the 6th floor but instead of make it more efficient he spent more money on hackdom jobs just like the school dept.
The right wing has been feeding us anti-union crap for decades. It's left the country in a shambles, with a middle class that can't fight for itself as wages have remained stagnant and are poised to plummet as the economy tumbles.
I see this as another consequence of the line of anti-union BS. It's all turned to anger, and the death of basic respect for one another.
Post a Comment