Observations from the President Brenda M. Joe, Marion CEA

 

An OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Let me tell it like it is! Having been a member of the NEA/WVEA/MCEA for 32 years (involved at all levels and in all offices) and currently President of our local, the MCEA, I’m proud to say that this Association has never maliciously engaged in unprofessional tactics or used hurtful propaganda to malign other education organizations; nor has it singled out individuals by name to blame for various problems that arise! In fact, we’ve always sought to work with other unions, both educational and labor, to achieve common goals.

 

But unfortunately, that has not been the case with the WV-AFT and the Marion AFT ! I’m amazed and appalled that this “union” has leadership, who on a regular basis, continually undermines the NEA/WVEA/MCEA (the largest teachers’ union in the nation, state and county) to “self-inflate” and promote its own “image”. The divide andconquer approach may work to “steal” members, but it does nothing to promote education locally and statewide. The term “union” that the AFT so generously “throws around” must be only a word to the leadership; because, in truth, the word “union” implies working together and coming together for the common good, not only for oneself but for others who are striving to achieve the same goals! A house divided cannot stand!

 

At one point in our educational unions’ histories, the NEA was seeking to have the AFT merge with us to create one unified voice for education. Although the merger did not take place, an agreement was made that the AFT and the NEA would not be adversaries, but allies, and not “steal” each others’ members. It’s obvious from the Marion AFT and the WV-AFT, that that agreement meant nothing. So instead of focusing on the real issues—collective bargaining, PEIA, retirement, salary, teachers’ professional rights, etc.—the AFT leadership and representatives continuously nit-pick every action, position and/or opinion of the WVEA/MCEA to make themselves look important…which unfortunately, tears everyone down and reduces success on many important educational issues locally and statewide.

 

The NEA/WVEA/MCEA continue to be the professional leading voice for education in the nation, state and county. The Association continues to work in a professional manner, as well, at all levels without self-promotion, flag-waving or grandiose tactics and propaganda. The number of members an organization has, is not as important as what those members do to promote the common good.

I, personally, harbor no ill will to any of the individual members of the AFT or any other “union.” I’ve worked with many of those in that organization over the years and have made many professional friendships. But I do resent the fact that the AFT leadership refuses to work with the WVEA/MCEA and instead seeks to under-cut and misrepresent OUR educational agenda in order to promote THEIR own! Divide and conquer is not a good strategy to be using when so many important educational goals need to be accomplished for our teachers, our students and oureducational system. I respectfully request that you, the AFT, stop distorting the agenda of this UNION, the NEA/WVEA/MCEA for the purpose of acquiring new members and start working with those who care about the same goals as you!

 

And so, unless professionalism is no longer in fashion, I ask all teachers in Marion County:

“Who is REALLY representing teachers? Or more importantly, who do YOU want representing YOU?” To me the choice is clear!