Well said, Arthur. Haughtiness and disrespect are held in high regard today at the top of our institutions. Sadly some unions are in step with that fashion. Keep working to unseat the mighty and unleash the power of the people.
Once again, Arthur, you've made it apparent just what Unity Caucus' priority is — and it ain't advocating for the best interests of retirees, when retirees stand up for what they are rightfully entitled to. Michael Mulgrew, painted a pretty picture of all that Unity incumbents accomplishment on behalf of the members of the UFT… LeRoy Barr used his bully pulpit to laud Michael Mulgrew, rather than to actually report what did transpire at the January 14 DA… and so it goes.
As far as I can tell, their only priority is staying in power, and the only time they're inclined to improve things for us is when they're running for re-election.
The parallel between the district rep's ageist memes and broader institutional bigotry is spot-on. When leadership treats internal dissent like The Other instead of legitimate memebr concerns, they're basically running the same playbook authoritarians use everywhere. I've seen similar dynamics in other orgs where anyone challenging the status quo gets branded as disruptive or uninformed. The fact that Unity clapped for the guy after he apologized tells u everything about their priorities.
you say about unity "If you want respect, you’d better stop stereotyping us, stop lying, and stop pretending we don’t see what’s right in front of our eyes." but they couldn't care less about us respecting them. they just want us to be intimidated and obey them.
What grade are these people in? Really? How juvenile and just plain rude. Maybe some day they will grow up. It says a lot about their character and integrity. Thank you, Arthur, for all you do and keep it up.
What you write is always worth reading. Thank you for keeping your opposing voice gong.
When I needed help, I hired my own lawyer and won an Article 78 case against the DOE. Our union does not fully support us. I was told that there was a memo on the wall in the Brooklyn Union office. It read: Please don’t tell your clients about Article 78’s! I ended up teaching for 53 years because my response to the persecution of senior teachers was to work an extra seven years. Rita Loughlin
Thank you for the feedback. And my thanks for your courage, persistence and leadership. You are providing us with leadership as it is clear that many of us remember how deficiently the administrator performed. When I was given my “marching orders” every Friday, and sent to a different school every Monday (2011), I made sure to speak with the teachers in each new school and advise them to “stand your ground.” I am sure you will recall that five kids drowned during the Bloomberg years. My farmer neighbor in Ireland asked me “Why did it take five lost before they stopped? I never stop speaking about those years. More needs to be written about them. This is why the forum you provide is badly needed. Perhaps we could collect the writing of retired teachers on what they experienced. Somehow the system needs to change!
Thanks for your kind words Rita. I recall the Bloomberg years very well. I was chapter leader of one of the few large high schools that survived them. He lives on, though, in the DOE. I very much expected de Blasio to clean house, but he didn't, and as far as I know, every grievance loses at step two, pretty much regardless of the merits. Let's see if the new mayor does anything about that.
Your comments always make sense. However some how the essence of what is the phenomenon of reformist trade unions and their overall objective reality of the AFL-CIO, is missing! First of all trade unionism as we practice it in the USA is always limited by laws, such as Taft Hurley or our Taylor Law, these keep us within the bounds of system, not beyond. For example the fight against the neo nazi formation ICE, unions cannot call for strikes against these formations! Such are anti labor. Secondly we need to go back in history in the struggles against slavery, in the struggle of the CIO against the all white reformist AFL. Today we need a new trade unionism that is not confined to just basic salaries, conditions of work, healthcare all which are important, but challenges the system at its very roots of exploitation, including the community and all factors of life!
The behavior I described in this piece is not necessarily related to the factors you mention. Of course we'd be better off without unionism being constrained and restricted. We'd be better off if it were not routinely ignored. That said, there are no restrictions on common decency, which I see as having been uncommonly violated here.
Thank you Arthur! I have been writing about the very real problem of ageism for.years now. Sadly the majority doesn’t recognize the issue. It amazes me how most young people don’t believe that they will ever age. Ah, but once the inevitable starts to happen perhaps they will finally regret the ignorance they portrayed. At least I still can dream! Perhaps one day the definition for ageism will be clearly understood, “stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against someone based on age, affecting ALL ages, but targeted toward older adults”. Imagine a world without it, how truly idyllic it would be.
Well, Kathy and Peter, I agree with both of you, for the most part. I'm not certain Unity recognizes ageism. I mean, they not only applauded the guy who overtly practiced it, but also charge retirees, and ONLY retirees, for prescription insurance. They do this despite the fact that our prescriptions are far more costly under this plan. In any case, I'm absolutely certain they don't care a whit.
I'm so grateful for your article, Arthur. Not only for reporting how our union is horribly faring under Unity, but for describing ageism so well. Thanks, too, for including that valuable article by "American Psychological Association" on this often overlooked form of bigotry -Wow! Recently my husband tossed out a famous suspense book he was encouraged to read. He told me he was shocked by the way its well-known author described elders and was relieved when he came across the sanity of your piece.
At minimum, a union should NOT be run by such shallow and cold leaders. And how convenient for them to blur the difference between humor and contempt! Yes, Arthur, the sick 'unionism' Unity celebrates can't continue. We're so lucky to read your columns and are definitely watching. As you state, "We may be old, but we're not blind!"
Well said, Arthur. Haughtiness and disrespect are held in high regard today at the top of our institutions. Sadly some unions are in step with that fashion. Keep working to unseat the mighty and unleash the power of the people.
Thank you Mary Lou. That is the plan, and I don't care who knows it.
Once again, Arthur, you've made it apparent just what Unity Caucus' priority is — and it ain't advocating for the best interests of retirees, when retirees stand up for what they are rightfully entitled to. Michael Mulgrew, painted a pretty picture of all that Unity incumbents accomplishment on behalf of the members of the UFT… LeRoy Barr used his bully pulpit to laud Michael Mulgrew, rather than to actually report what did transpire at the January 14 DA… and so it goes.
As far as I can tell, their only priority is staying in power, and the only time they're inclined to improve things for us is when they're running for re-election.
The parallel between the district rep's ageist memes and broader institutional bigotry is spot-on. When leadership treats internal dissent like The Other instead of legitimate memebr concerns, they're basically running the same playbook authoritarians use everywhere. I've seen similar dynamics in other orgs where anyone challenging the status quo gets branded as disruptive or uninformed. The fact that Unity clapped for the guy after he apologized tells u everything about their priorities.
Couldn't agree more.
you say about unity "If you want respect, you’d better stop stereotyping us, stop lying, and stop pretending we don’t see what’s right in front of our eyes." but they couldn't care less about us respecting them. they just want us to be intimidated and obey them.
They also want us to vote for them. I'm not feeling it, and I'm ready to organize against them.
What grade are these people in? Really? How juvenile and just plain rude. Maybe some day they will grow up. It says a lot about their character and integrity. Thank you, Arthur, for all you do and keep it up.
what indication have they ever given that they have the capacity to grow up?
Thank you Maggie.
What you write is always worth reading. Thank you for keeping your opposing voice gong.
When I needed help, I hired my own lawyer and won an Article 78 case against the DOE. Our union does not fully support us. I was told that there was a memo on the wall in the Brooklyn Union office. It read: Please don’t tell your clients about Article 78’s! I ended up teaching for 53 years because my response to the persecution of senior teachers was to work an extra seven years. Rita Loughlin
Wow. Well my hat's off to you. Thanks for your courage, your persistence, and your leadership.
Dear Arthur,
Thank you for the feedback. And my thanks for your courage, persistence and leadership. You are providing us with leadership as it is clear that many of us remember how deficiently the administrator performed. When I was given my “marching orders” every Friday, and sent to a different school every Monday (2011), I made sure to speak with the teachers in each new school and advise them to “stand your ground.” I am sure you will recall that five kids drowned during the Bloomberg years. My farmer neighbor in Ireland asked me “Why did it take five lost before they stopped? I never stop speaking about those years. More needs to be written about them. This is why the forum you provide is badly needed. Perhaps we could collect the writing of retired teachers on what they experienced. Somehow the system needs to change!
Thanks for your kind words Rita. I recall the Bloomberg years very well. I was chapter leader of one of the few large high schools that survived them. He lives on, though, in the DOE. I very much expected de Blasio to clean house, but he didn't, and as far as I know, every grievance loses at step two, pretty much regardless of the merits. Let's see if the new mayor does anything about that.
Your comments always make sense. However some how the essence of what is the phenomenon of reformist trade unions and their overall objective reality of the AFL-CIO, is missing! First of all trade unionism as we practice it in the USA is always limited by laws, such as Taft Hurley or our Taylor Law, these keep us within the bounds of system, not beyond. For example the fight against the neo nazi formation ICE, unions cannot call for strikes against these formations! Such are anti labor. Secondly we need to go back in history in the struggles against slavery, in the struggle of the CIO against the all white reformist AFL. Today we need a new trade unionism that is not confined to just basic salaries, conditions of work, healthcare all which are important, but challenges the system at its very roots of exploitation, including the community and all factors of life!
The behavior I described in this piece is not necessarily related to the factors you mention. Of course we'd be better off without unionism being constrained and restricted. We'd be better off if it were not routinely ignored. That said, there are no restrictions on common decency, which I see as having been uncommonly violated here.
Call it like WE see it. :)
Thanks Mea.
Thank you Arthur! I have been writing about the very real problem of ageism for.years now. Sadly the majority doesn’t recognize the issue. It amazes me how most young people don’t believe that they will ever age. Ah, but once the inevitable starts to happen perhaps they will finally regret the ignorance they portrayed. At least I still can dream! Perhaps one day the definition for ageism will be clearly understood, “stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against someone based on age, affecting ALL ages, but targeted toward older adults”. Imagine a world without it, how truly idyllic it would be.
I think perhaps they recognize it but just don't care
Well, Kathy and Peter, I agree with both of you, for the most part. I'm not certain Unity recognizes ageism. I mean, they not only applauded the guy who overtly practiced it, but also charge retirees, and ONLY retirees, for prescription insurance. They do this despite the fact that our prescriptions are far more costly under this plan. In any case, I'm absolutely certain they don't care a whit.
agreed
I'm so grateful for your article, Arthur. Not only for reporting how our union is horribly faring under Unity, but for describing ageism so well. Thanks, too, for including that valuable article by "American Psychological Association" on this often overlooked form of bigotry -Wow! Recently my husband tossed out a famous suspense book he was encouraged to read. He told me he was shocked by the way its well-known author described elders and was relieved when he came across the sanity of your piece.
At minimum, a union should NOT be run by such shallow and cold leaders. And how convenient for them to blur the difference between humor and contempt! Yes, Arthur, the sick 'unionism' Unity celebrates can't continue. We're so lucky to read your columns and are definitely watching. As you state, "We may be old, but we're not blind!"
Thanks for your kind words, Laura!