Readers!
Here is a update on the most recent .. and to date... only meeting our teachers unions have had with the powers that be...

Sent: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:39 pm
Subject: Yesterday's Meeting with DCF

As you know, we met with representatives from DCF and the Governor's office yesterday. I can only describe the meeting as infuriating, as management continued in the arrogant manner in which they have treated staff, parents and children regarding the planned school closings. Essentially they attempted to only discuss the plan as it relates to the impact on staff and the contractual and civil service rights.

Present at the meeting were myself, NJ Director Hetty Rosenstein, representatives from Locals 1039 and 1034, reprentatives from DCF Labor Relations and Human Resources (Hodian, Fitzgerald, Valentine) and a representative of the Governor's Office of Employee Relations (McCoy.)

Frankly, they were woefully unprepared, unable or unwilling to answer many basic questions. Those questions which could not be answered were recorded and promises were made by management to respond with the requested information. Following the meeting we lodged a complaint with the Governor's office and demanded a direct meeting with the decision-makers for DCF and OOE.

In the meantime, this weekend we are drafting an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request to obtain all the information with regard to management's plans, any correspondence regarding this issue, financial records, etc. and will be submitting this request on Monday. Under the law, they must respond within 7 days.

While certainly we viewed the lack of information provided at the meeting as purposeful, it also became clear that they have no idea what they are doing. It's also clear that they have no idea of the type of campaign and the resistance they are about to confront and the anger that exists among staff and parents.

You may have recently seen coverage of our issue on NJN, News12, CBS and in the Star Ledger and the Bergen Record. This is just the beginning, as we have plans for a paid media campaign.

It is of course critically important that we get as many staff and parents as possible to attend the meeting on Thursday night. We will lay out our plans to mobilize members and parents, and the political and media strategy. Please speak with as many staff and parents as possible to confirm their attendance and call or fax the Local with the names of those attending.

I will be reaching out to Shop Stewards over the coming days, but as always feel free to contact with any questions or ideas you may have. Thank you for all your help.
"anonymous"