Monday, June 22, 2009

Is Randi Wiengarten's Farewell Present A New Contract?




There are persistent rumors that Randi Weingarten has made a deal with Mayor Bloomberg on our next contract that starts on November 1, 2009. If the rumors are correct, the contract will include two 4% raises for the two year length of the contract. Furthermore, there will not be any givebacks or unfortunately, takebacks as well. The pattern has been set by both DC37 and the Police Sergeants union and once the pattern is set look for other City unions to fall into line, with minor variations.

The real question is why would Micheal Bloomberg give us 8% for two years when the City is scrounging for money? Simple, its the pattern stupid! However, it really isn't as simple as it seems. There appears to some political considerations that go with the contract agreement. First, look for the UFT to remain neutral in the mayoral race despite the overwhelming support for Thompson from the teachers. Second, Randi's apparent turnaround on the Mayoral control issue. Finally, look for the union to continue to be passive as Tweed continues to erode teacher due process rights and classroom discretion. Bloomberg can easily handle the expected criticism from the tabloids for two days as his popularity with them will limit any political damage.This contract agreement is expected to be signed during the summer when schools are closed and the media is less likely to concentrate on education issues.

My spies seem to think that there is also a good chance that we will see the resignation of Chancellor Klein once a deal is announced as he objects to the lack of givebacks, especially the ATR time limit he so desperately wants. While Mayor Bloomberg will not force him out, he won't be unhappy if Chancellor Klein resigns since he is universally disliked by parents, politicians, and teachers. Moreover, if Chancellor Klein indeed resigns look for Mayor Mike to put another pseudo reform non-educator into office. This new Chancellor will be more politically astute and pretend to listen to parents and teachers. However, don't look for any real classroom improvements to occur.

What happens after our next contract is over and Mayor Bloomberg is a lame duck? Any contract that would be proposed by the Mayor will be on the lines of the infamous and disgusting 2005 contract. Look for Tweed to demand tenure reductions such as an ATR time limit and unpaid suspensions of "rubber room" teachers. In addition, look for more school time, and for the secondary schools a sixth period of teaching. With a Randi lackey Michael Mulgrew in charge and with little political and negotiating experience I shutter at the thought of the year 2012 and beyond. By then I expect to retire, I hope .

Update - Late last night the first part of the contract has been put in place with the tentative agreement between the City and the UFT on pension and health benefits.

13 comments:

Mr. Talk said...

I won't be out by 2012, but soon after. I sure won't miss it, but not because of the students.

I doubt Bloomie will get rid of Klein. The chancellor has been the perfect lightning rod for the mayor, deflecting venom and resentment away from the real man behind the curtains.

I actually hope you are right about the 8%, because I could actually see Randi getting less while giving up more. As far as Mulgrew, maybe his lack of negotiating experience will work in our favor. He may still think that he is negotiating FOR us.

Mr. Talk said...

If you haven't seen Randi's new agreement, see my blog.

Chaz said...

Is this a part of the proposed contract or separate?

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Chaz said...

My blog is for serious issues not for the idiots that have nothing to say but insult teachers without any basis of evidence.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Chaz said...

It appears that the anti-teacher nut "Socrates" is commenting on our blogs again under Anonymous. Of course he has nothing to say except to insult teachers.


Please go away and play in traffic.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Chaz said...

I must remind people that this blog is about education issues. Not conspiracy theory, personal insults, or anti-teacher statements that are without merit.

Lately, for the first time in two years I have had to delete that anti-teacher "nut job" Socrates time and again and I may have to moderate the comment section if this idiot continues to comment on my blog.


Socrates, you are officially uninvited to comment on my blog.
Get it?

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Has anyone seen the news that Weingarten was scheduled to attend a rally, along with Bloomberg, the governor, and others, to SUPPORT MAYORAL CONTROL?

Chaz said...

It doesn't surprise me a bit.

Anonymous said...

If anyone here truly feels fiat currency is worthless then feel free to give me all your money.