Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Vote YES on Proposal 2


Proposal 2, or the Protect Working Families campaign, will amend the Michigan Constitution to establish your rights to organize, form, join or assist labor unions; bargain collectively with public or private employers regarding wages, hours, workplace safety standards and benefits; and participate in collective bargaining free from employer retaliation.

We worked with union members and activists all over the state to collect nearly 700,000 signatures to get Proposal 2 on the ballot.  This is a citizen-driven initiative that represents the hard work of thousands of volunteers across Michigan.

We need your help spreading the word about Proposal 2. 

First, we need you to commit to voting YES.  Please pledge your support for Proposal 2 here.

Second, we need you to vote on Election Day!  If you are not registered to vote, or if you don’t know where to vote, please visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Finally, please pass this message along to any of your friends and family who might be interested in helping to secure workers’ rights in Michigan and building a stronger future.  

Thank you!


Dear Members,

The full-time and part-time faculty at KVCC have joined with WMU's unions to vote YES on Proposal 2 and spread the word to friends and families. We need your help to build a stronger Michigan.

Proposal 2, or the Protect Working Families campaign, will amend the Michigan Constitution to establish your rights to organize, form, join or assist labor unions; bargain collectively with public or private employers regarding wages, hours, workplace safety standards and benefits; and participate in collective bargaining free from employer retaliation.
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Friday, September 14, 2012

CALLING ALL MEMBERS

The first member newsletter of the Fall semester is coming out. Sign up on a union team, as part of your membership commitment, by email to office@kvccft.org

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?" (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

"I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

"You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

"I make kids wonder.

"I make them question.

"I make them apologize and mean it.

"I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

"I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

"I make them read, read, read.

"I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

"I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

"I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

"Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life." (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

"What do you make Mr. CEO?"

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

A truly profound answer!!!

Teaching is... the profession that makes all other professions possible!
--

Margaret Latora

Wednesday, September 5, 2012


MI Supreme Court Approves Collective Bargaining for Ballot

Today, the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously rejected a challenge from corporate special interests to block a vote on a proposal that preserves collective bargaining for working families.
The initiative will remain on the Nov. 6 ballot.
“Collective bargaining is a basic right for working families,” said Angelique Peterson a member of UAW Local 245 in Dearborn. “We will fight for it and win in November.”
Corporate special interests pushed Lansing politicians to pressure the court leading up to today’s decision. But there was no legal reason to deny people the opportunity to vote on the proposal.
The Court of Appeals ordered the Board of State Canvassers to put the proposal on the ballot after the board deadlocked on the action.
The campaign collected nearly 700,000 signatures and the Secretary of State validated that more than enough valid signatures were submitted to put the proposal on the ballot.
Governor Rick Snyder and Attorney General Bill Schuette took the unprecedented action of requesting the Court of Appeals deny citizens the right to vote on the proposal.
“Corporate special interests have spent millions and will spend millions more to mislead voters and silence our voice to negotiate for fair wages, benefits and working conditions that benefit us all,” said Cheryl Weston, a 31-year nurse who works at McLaren Lapeer Region Medical Center. “We will not be silenced and as nurses, we will continue to advocate for patients.”

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Election Results

Thanks to all the members who voted.  The bylaws were passed, and the officers who will serve a two-year term on the Leadership Council are as follows:
  Co-Presidents:  Catherine Barnard and Kelly O'Leary
  Vice President: Tom Hamann
  Communications:  Carol Weatherford
  Treasurer:  John Davis