Teachers, parents and students can forget about a break this April from what for many are onerous assignments. I say that as a parent. My kids were up until after 11:00 P.M. last night finishing school work.
The UFT has agreed we need to work instead of having spring break. For those needing justification, here is a link to President Michael Mulgrew's video address.
Mulgrew will hold a telephone meeting at 3:00 pm today. My wife has signed up. We will be listening if our own kids can do their work without us for a bit.
Here is a very interesting part of an article from LoHud (thank you commenter from previous post) on the spring break issue:
For districts to continue instruction during previously negotiated breaks on school calendars, teacher unions must agree to the change, perhaps in exchange for future compensation or time off.
"Districts will have to work with their unions to find a path forward," Albert said.
David Albert is spokesperson for the New York State School Board's Association. From his quote we learn that the UFT had to agree to the change. They can't blame Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Funny how I must have missed in Mulgrew's video what the UFT is getting back in exchange for giving up spring break.
For those who want to fight it, here is a link to a petition to the Governor to get back our break.
You can sign it. Also, everybody's computer can have lots of issues come those days.
I really do not have a problem with teachers who want to check in with the students that week. There should be extra money paid for those who work by posting and grading assignments. While money is not their primary motivation, I very much doubt the first responders are working through the crisis for free.
Note also that AFT President Randi Weingarten will be on WBAI's Talk out of School at 10:00 A.M. this morning. I will try to tune in but with Camille working hard, I have to teach my two kids.
The UFT had to agree to taking Spring break!?! That should be it for everyone. Death for training, because the DOE asked and now no spring break, because Cuomo asked. Wake up!
ReplyDeleteFor districts to continue instruction during previously negotiated breaks on school calendars, teacher unions must agree to the change, perhaps in exchange for future compensation or time off.
ReplyDeleteI posted that. It was a response to Mike Sill saying on twitter that the uft didnt cave, Cuomo made us do it. And we will keep the receipt, Sill said. As if we will ever be thanked for this. As if we haven't made enough concessions over the past 15 years.
Thank you 9:51.
ReplyDeleteChancellor Richard A. Carranza
ReplyDelete@DOEChancellor
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1h
We know there are many questions about Spring Break, scheduled for April 9-17, 2020. We thank our families & staff for their patience as we work through yet another unprecedented decision that’s emerged from this equally unprecedented crisis. We will share specific guidance soon.
Typical uft. Another rollover. When I opted out in 2018, I had a long list. Now I have a longer list. I hope all of you got your money's worth.
ReplyDeleteWe give up the Spring Break and Summer Vacation will be next. Watch
ReplyDeleteJames and everyone else needs to stop b**ching.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is an MTA worker that has to report everyday in hazmat suit. We don't work in hospitals.
We as teachers, still have a job and still getting paid unlike MILLIONS of Americans.
Were the only ones that have multiple blogs like this one complaining about something or someone.
James, let's count out blessings. People are dying around us and were complaining that the government is trying to save lives. I would rather work over spring break than to be frontlines in a hospital.
@10:44: praying for you your husband and family. We all.need to do EXTRA and then vote when this is over. It's NOT right but it is right now. May God keep your husband safe.
DeleteEasy for Jason goldberg and mike sill to say. They each make $170k a year to sit in an office and tell us how good the uft is.
ReplyDeleteBrooklyn Office Retweeted
Jason Goldberg
@bkjay101
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14m
#UFT #UFTDoingTheRightThing
With millions out of work, tens of thousands hospitalized, and many people dying; continuing instruction is a small sacrifice at this time. We are getting paid, and our benefits are in place. We should be thankful for the strength of this union
James, Arthur Goldstein is saying this was a Gubernatorial mandate in that the unions have no say. Which is true? Did the unions have to agree to this or was it mandated by Cuomo? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am reporting what was sent from LoHud. That is a quote from the spokesperson for the NYS SchoolBoard's Association on unions negotiating this.
ReplyDeleteI said I have no issue with people who want to check in with students during spring break so where am I bitching? I am complaining loudly about being sent into buildings that the UFT knew were dangerous.
1044, we were sent on the subways and into schools without hazmat suits. That is worse. Wake up. We are being treated like shit, as usual.
ReplyDeleteWho keeps supporting the doe? You're an idiot for giving them support. One reason people go into teaching is for the vacation time. Also other states didn't have to give up their spring break, so why do we? Are Jersey and Connecticut doing this too? Cuomo said he wants all states on the same page.
ReplyDeletelol, half the city is out of work and you think anyone will have any sympathy for your little petition? You are completely out of touch with reality.
ReplyDeleteget a grip.
@11:53 am Yes. There are essential staff who are at the frontline. If they fall, the sh#/ will hit the fan. UFT members hopefully will have a plan for AFTER the plague. Will they pull their dues? Vote enmasse?.I get the need to voice your anger at the immediate situation but if you can just look beyond your own needs... you will see that there are people who are LITERALLY shielding us from the plague. Theu are blocking shots everyday If they are getting extra pay, so be it. I don't think the DOE/UFT will change the easter break schedule now. How will union members address the matter of the DOE/UFT sending folks into infected school buildings? You have power over that decision.
DeleteI agree with the reasons put forward about why we should work that week. However, we should be paid 6 hours 50 minutes of per session for each day. We don't work for free, and neither do the first responders.
ReplyDeleteJames, dont bother. None of these idiots are going to do anything except keep paying dues and thanking Mulgrew for the great job he has done.
ReplyDeleteIt is not my petition. I just linked to it. I had nothing to do with starting it. I do, however, believe this is a precedent. The Rahm Emanuel never let a crisis go to waste doctrine has to be considered.
ReplyDeleteI live near a school, same block. Nobody, I mean nobody is coming to pick up lunches. So much for that theory. Ya know, kids will starve to death.
ReplyDeleteNot a stupid petition. Either opt out or walk out.
ReplyDeleteThis petition has been active since yesterday, with more people signatures. Please share it. https://www.change.org/p/nycmayor-keep-nyc-schools-closed-for-spring-break?source_location=topic_page
ReplyDeleteMichael Mulgrew just said on the town hall call with UFT members that "I told the Chancellor there has to be a real conversation about how we are going to be compensated for this week."
ReplyDelete11:42 makes a great point. Are jersey and Connecticut cancelling their spring breaks? Also everyone that says people are dying husband in hazmat suit all that stuff they miss the point. If we get a spring break will your husband not have to go in a hazmat suit anymore? If we take a spring break will more people die? No. One has nothing to do with the other
ReplyDeleteBesides the "real conversation" about working an extra week. Let's talk about the 3 unused sick days that were never shown as a day off if not used. Other districts use these around Memorial Day if not used. UFT teachers? We get nothing for them. Thanks Mikey! Mikey will give his members the absolute worst. Let's keep adding up the givebacks.
ReplyDelete#byebyeUFT I'll keep my $1600
Let's just face it, M&M is just another pushover. He's not going to do anything to rock the boat, his salary or his job. People like this I've run into over the years and are only concerned about one thing, themselves.
ReplyDeleteWhether you agree with what he's doing or not, it's indifferent to the horde . There are more new members every year that replenish and keep the till full. Opt out to your heart's content, there is and always will be a newbie waiting to take a seat at the bar to pay dues.
1. add 4 CAR days in everyones account
ReplyDelete2. end school year 4 days earlier
3. add 4 days to christmas break
Could be worse, we need that 2% raise too, just lost it!
Pay us extra or give a retroactive of the 8.5% that was lost many years ago. Stop working past a certain time everybody. You are not getting paid per session for anything.
ReplyDeleteDear UFT,
ReplyDeleteI know you said you are negotiating compensation for losing Spring Break. I though you might like some ideas. Here is what Home Depot is doing for their workers who are just working as before, not during previously contracted vacation time. (I know, I know, the Governor)Really sound like they care about their workers. I could be wrong but read on.
Home Depot is doing this.
Supporting Our AssociatesOur associates are important to your shopping experience. We have implemented the following actions to support them during this crisis:
•Added 80 hours of paid time off for all full-time hourly associates and 40 hours of paid time off for part-time hourly associates to be used at their discretion at any time in 2020 and paid out at year-end if not used
•For associates who are 65 years of age or older, or determined to be at higher risk by the CDC, added 160 hours of paid time off for full-time hourly associates and 80 hours of paid time off for part-time hourly associates to be used at their discretion at any time in 2020 and paid out at year-end if not used
•Providing paid time off for any associate who has contracted COVID-19 until released by a doctor •Providing up to 14 days paid time off for any associate required to be quarantined by a public health authority or the CDC
•Providing additional bonuses to hourly associates in stores and distribution centers -- $100 per week for full-time hourly associates and $50 per week for part-time hourly associates
•Providing double pay for overtime hours worked by hourly associates
•Extended dependent care benefits and waived co-pays