Further evidence that the Central Falls teachers are being sacrificed came in this morning’s Sunday Journal. Rhode Island Federation of Teachers president Marcia Reback was quoted as saying:
I think this resonates with teachers across the country. Everyone looks at this as establishing a national precedent.
And it’s the precedent that unions fear most. Accepting the changes required by the transformation model would be additional work requirements without negotiation. Rather than establishing this precedent, the union will try its luck in court, in the meantime putting the jobs of all the CF high school teachers in jeopardy.
In the same article, RIFT field representative Jim Parisi admitted as much.
It’s not about time and money. It’s about our right to negotiate time and money.
We’ve all heard the talk of other locals joining with Central Falls in a show of solidarity. The state union leadership better be careful. I think they overestimate the commitment of its members. I suspect a significant number of teachers will balk at any calls for action by the union leadership that include work stoppage. The sacrifice of Central Falls teachers will only further weaken the confidence of its members.
