Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/619098
Students and schools have already been hit by funding cuts that deprive them of arts and PE programs, up-to-date textbooks, recess, and smaller class sizes. If our unions are weakened, it will be harder for us to fight collectively for what our students need. It will be harder to negotiate good working conditions, wages and benefits. When we're able to give our children a quality education, make our work more effective and sustain our families, we leave our communities better off than we found them. Everyone benefits from collective bargaining. In states that have banned Fair Share, the average worker makes $5,971 less per year, workers are much less likely to have health insurance, and the rate of workplace deaths is 36 percent higher. Worker rights that unions have fought for and won include: • 8-hour work day, 40-hour workweek • weekends off • all breaks at work, including lunch • paid vacation, sick leave • pensions • and much more WHAT'S AT STAKE? A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION WITH ART, MUSIC, PE AND MORE LEARNING INSTEAD OF MORE AND MORE HIGH-STAKES TESTING SCHOOL SAFETY WITH HEALTHY LEARNING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTS A FAIR SALARY THAT INCLUDES RETIREMENT AND HEALTH CARE WHY IS THIS CASE IMPORTANT? CLASS SIZES THAT ALLOW FOR ONE-ON- ONE INSTRUCTION CAROL PEEK SCHOOL MONITOR Ventura Education Support Professionals Association My job is to be on the front lines to make sure our students are safe. It's important for me to have the right to voice concerns over anything that might impair the safety of my students. Jeopar- dizing my ability to speak up for them is a risk for everyone. '' The stakes are high for our students, educators and communities. A ruling in favor of Friedrichs could jeopardize a quality education for our children. Public employee unions are made up of teachers, firefighters, nurses and other working people. Our victories are everyone's victory, contributing to our economy and the quality of life for all. Everyone who works should be able to make ends meet, have a say about their future, and have the right to negotiate collectively for better wages and benefits that can sustain their family and community. Friedrichs v. CTA is being pushed by those who seek individual profit and personal gain by damaging protec- tions for hardworking families and their communities. These are the same rules and protections that have formed the foundation for people to work together for better public services — smaller class sizes, quicker response times in emergencies, and better staffing for hospitals — and more vibrant communities. 38 cta.org