The democrats in this country are all about the freedom of choice, or so they say. When it comes to choosing whether or not a baby should live, they’re all for choice but when you go after their money… LOOK OUT!!!!
A Michigan teacher recognized that DA UNION didn’t really give a rip about the kids or the school and decided he no longer wanted to be a unionista……. DA UNION didn’t take too kindly to that.
GRANT, Mich. – Ever wonder what it costs to quit a labor union?
For one Michigan educator, the annual costs of “non-membership” in the local, state and national teacher unions total $544.28.
But Andrew Buikema, 10-year teacher with Grant Public Schools, is willing to pay the price, just for the privilege of being seen as a true professional, instead of a union worker.
Michigan is not a “right to work” state, which means Buikema’s job is still affected by the district’s contract with the local teachers union, the Grant Education Association. The GEA is affiliated with the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association.
Buikema has been trying to leave the union since last spring, when he realized that GEA leaders were uninterested in helping the district control costs, even in the face of a multi-million dollar deficit.
By refusing to make wage and benefit concessions, the union contributed to conditions that led to 27 teachers – including Buikema – receiving layoff notices. The district was also forced into making cuts to student academic and extracurricular programs.
Buikema’s job was saved at the last minute, but he was disgusted by the union’s selfishness.
The union’s intransigence convinced Buikema that “the union doesn’t care about kids.”
“They keep asking for more and more, even though the school district can’t afford it,” he told EAG. “They’re concerned about taking care of the adults and have no consideration for the kids. I don’t want to be part of an organization that says one thing and does another,” he said.
Buikema said he was “raked over the coals” by his local union leaders when he suggested the GEA could help alleviate the district’s financial woes – and possibly help save some teaching jobs – by switching from union-owned and operated MESSA health insurance to a less expensive carrier.
Buikema estimated that the district could save between $530,000 and $980,000 annually.
Not only did local union leaders not like Buikema’s idea, but they verbally attacked him for even suggesting it.
“The amount of flak I got, particularly from veteran teachers, was ridiculous to the point of being unprofessional,” he said.
Buikema was also put off by the NEA’s new $10 levy on members to help re-elect President Obama.
“It’s the principle involved,” Buikema said at the time. “They’re taking money to support a candidate that members may or may not support. That’s a very big deal.”
So much for choice……
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