Deseret News | Law cut political power of UEA

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Law cut political power of UEA

John | 5:59 a.m. May 30, 2009

Vic Arnold is so dishonest. He claims legislative wins the UEA had nothing to do with and is allowed by a lazy reporter to fudge on the donation numbers. The drop off of UEA contributions is greater then Mr. Arnold is suggesting. The UEA is a liberal Democrat organization that also focuses on issues that have nothing to do with protecting teacher's jobs and salaries. Perfect example is their union hacks were continually at votes and committees this past session where secret ballot legislation was being debated and voted upon. This was an issue that had nothing to do with public education or for that matter, teacher unions. They were just out doing the bidding for Big Labor. The UEA does not represent public schools. They represent union wish lists which put their personal financial interest over real reform and improving public schools. There is nothing wrong with that objective on their part -- they are a union -- but hopefully the press one day will understand that point and stop presenting them as the honest brokers for public schools who only care about the kids. That is just plain dishonest.

Freedom | 6:29 a.m. May 30, 2009

The UEA plays dirty politics. This article gave me a reason to smile today! Most UEA members are too apathetic to care when those funds were automatically removed. And in some cases, members were scared to stand up and say, "NO!". Unions are bullies! Proof? The funds are now half of what they use to be. Personally, I'm surprised they didn't drop lower. The only reason they didn't is because UEA has convinced the 'poor helpless teachers' that they wouldn't have anything without them...So, some teachers and admins still pay blood money to the UEA. Of course, some of those teachers are right because if they had a job according to their job performance, they wouldn't! But, the UEA and NEA keeps them there because they represent money to every UEA AND NEA employee. I wonder when the teachers are going to smart instead of used?

Cats | 6:48 a.m. May 30, 2009

Glad to hear it!

Comments continue below

UTAH Bill | 8:21 a.m. May 30, 2009

Legislators continue to punish those who opposed school vouchers. They've made sure the opposition has less money yet are still collecting big donations from their pro-voucher groups. Do they think we don't notice?

Agent 00 | 8:27 a.m. May 30, 2009

Thank the Lord!!!.
The sooner the morons from the UEA go away the better..
Nothing has hurt American children more than the teachers unions...

UEA not a good Union | 8:39 a.m. May 30, 2009

I am a person who is pro union, this because I am pro worker and I realize that for there to be fairness, given the mind of man, power needs to exist on any of both sides.

Yet I am happy the UEA power is cut, why?

They the UEA has stood in the way of positive education reform. Math education reform. Math education has deteriorated over the past several years, yet when ever the legislature tries to fix this, trust the UEA and their "friends" to stand in the way.

Not only do I not see how this serves their ultimate interests, it makes me not like this union. Unions ought to be about excellence in addition to protecting the rights of workers. Being about excellence is a great way to see to it that they are respected and will win them the hearts of the people, any time they need peoples's support, too bad UEA, this is a lesson you have yet to learn.

UEA Lie | 8:40 a.m. May 30, 2009

The UEA does not even interview or talk with 99% of the Republican candidates before supporting and endorsing the D. The fact they lie about little things makes you wonder do they ever tell the truth.

Thugs with Degrees | 9:44 a.m. May 30, 2009

Good news. The same should be done on a nationwide basis. Emasculating the teachers' union would be a major step in furthering educational quality.

Marky | 10:16 a.m. May 30, 2009

Anything that marginalizes the UEA is a huge step forward for education in the state of Utah. No more stealing teachers dollars from their paychecks via "voluntary" contributions.

dcj | 10:17 a.m. May 30, 2009

Just remember, these people work for you, the taxpayer. Don't be afraid to hold their feet to the fire when you see or hear of questionable speech or misconduct in the classrooms. I have seen so many parents go into a school meeting and be bullied into placing their children into questionable situations that infringe on parental and student rights by administrators and "well meaning" educators. This is not an isolated situation unique to just Utah, but Utah has at least taken measures to curb abuse, hold governmental employees responsible for their actions, and try to earn the taxpayers trust. Of course not all educators are like this, there are numerous educators who quietly, professionally perform their duties everyday. To those "Professionals" my thanks for your hard work and dedication. However, if the UEA wants to have a political voice to push their agendas then will they have to pay their dues, just like everyone else. To insist that taxpayers flip the bill for their own personal agenda is only proving what everyone has been saying about the UEA all along.

Anonymous | 10:29 a.m. May 30, 2009

FOr all of you that think UEA is being targeted.... they are.. After all after the 2007 vote on vouchers was set up by the state republicans to virtually eliminate the public school system as we know it. When the vote failed, the legislature went after UEA again, to strip it of more powers... and make the State Board of Ed. a political position. As long as there is a republican in the Utah house/senate around... public education IS in jeopardy

Thinking outside the box | 10:35 a.m. May 30, 2009

There is no doubt that unions are a political lobby group, but what frustrates me is that Republicans have taken aim at the lobby groups that tend to represent the interests of many people, while they allow corporate lobby interests, such as big oil, flourish. How about banning all lobby groups instead of just one? By going after one group and ignoring the myriads of others, it makes the Republican legislature look anti-education.

I have to laugh at UEA lie's post. I don't think the UEA needs to interview Republicans before they endorse a candidate. Actions speak louder than words and just by looking at a candidates actions or statements of the past is evidence enough. Also, what Democrats are there for the UEA to endorse. In Utah County at least, there is nary a democrat to be found. I don't think you need to be afraid of the UEA. With Utah extremely last in the nation for education funding and in danger of a 3rd rate U.S. territory (Puerto Rico) passing Utah in educational commitment, the UEA has been ineffective dozens of years. It is the self-serving legislature that scares me.

If UEA really | 11:10 a.m. May 30, 2009

cared about the quality of education it seems to me, they would use their voice and political clout to help deal with the illegal alien issue. The result would be smaller class sizes and MUCH more sympathy from the conservatives!

When they sit around and wonder why their classes are so large, and they don't get adequate funding, they should try to find the root causes, rather than just trying to raise taxes!

re: UEA not a good Union | 11:13 a.m. May 30, 2009

"Unions ought to be about excellence." Sir or Madam, you have just spoken a fundamental truth. Unfortunately, so many aren't about excellence.

GM is failing because of unions when aren't about excellence, aren't about customer, they are just about power and more people working less for more pay.

I'm glad I own a Ford -- a company which refused bailout money.

I worked for Kennecott at a time when the norm unions pushed was "work slower so the company needs more people." Never mind the fact that eventually kills the company and ALL the jobs.

Have you ever noticed that when a union goes on strike, the union reps keep getting paid? What is wrong with that picture?

When a salesperson doesn't make a sale, does she blame the customer? When a kid doesn't learn, the teacher blames the kids, the parents, the legislature, the feds.

For every good union, there a 50 misguided and/or corrupt ones.

Utah's education | 11:14 a.m. May 30, 2009

Make no mistake, as someone involved in college admissions in the Midwest, I can say that Universities are taking notice of states like Utah who show so little commitment to public education. This is hurting students' chances of acceptance into, and scholarships for out-of-state universities.

UEA/NEA/PTA | 11:22 a.m. May 30, 2009

have too many ties and do more harm than good.

I am glad they got their wings clipped.

Anon. | 11:34 a.m. May 30, 2009

re: dcj-MOST teachers are professionals-your examples are the few and I am sad that you and those you know have had bad experiences. But remember, you are the parent and you do have final say-don't back down (and yes, I'm speaking from experience). Sometimes, too, as parents we are not as objective about our children as sometimes we ought to be.
Also to UTAH'S EDUCATION-I couldn't agree more. This state's legislators are abhorently anti-public education. Also, credits required for graduation? Way too few-there is a big difference between here and New England where I went to high school.

Robert | 12:13 p.m. May 30, 2009

If the UEA didn't exist, teachers would be just as well off.

It's the way the UEA's leaders approach the legislature that causes the friction. And as long as the UEA is committed so whole-heartedly to the Democratic Party and its ideals, teachers will never receive proper representation before the state legislature.

Alex | 12:19 p.m. May 30, 2009

It's not the teachers that are bad. In fact, to me, teachers are the most important professionals in the country, yet, in relation to what they do and how they influence the future of a nation, particularly in the US, they don't make as much money as they should. I'm eternally grateful to my my teachers and my children's teachers, but the UEA is a mafious organization that pushes its own agenda to promote liberal, big protectionist ideals that benefit ONLY the Union's leaders. The fact is that funds are now low because MOST teachers choose NOT to contribute to the UEA's liberal, pro-Gay, pro-sex education agendas.
You see? To be a teacher you need to be smart. Those who don't contribute to the UEA's fund ARE VERY smart!

Re: Alex | 1:15 p.m. May 30, 2009

Alex, show us a policy statement, or any action whatsoever, from the UEA that would serve as evidence of a "pro-Gay, pro-sex education agenda." I don't buy it.

It seems the liberals aren't the only ones spreading lies and half-truths...

Hypocrisy | 1:38 p.m. May 30, 2009

It's nice to see the extreme right is out in force on the boards today.(Heavy sarcasm) I'm a registered Republican BTW. It's easy for you who aren't teachers to say what should or does happen to them. If the UEA wasn't around, most legislators and even some districts in this state would have teachers paying to do their "JOB." Too many people in this state think that teaching is a "service" or "calling." This isn't church, people. LDS, too. But, anyone can teach, you know. Yet, at the same time, there are so many crappy teachers out there... But I thought that anyone could teach? Hypocritical thinking there at best. And the hypocrisy of many of the Republicans, leadership definitely, in the State Legislature is laughable. They claim more teachers need to be held accountable for their "service" because teachers are paid by our taxes when the Legislators, paid by taxes themselves, won't pass laws that force themselves to disclose all of the perks, gifts, and influence outside businesses and special interest forces have on them. What a joke. Let them who are without sin cast the first stones.

Anonymous | 4:02 p.m. May 30, 2009

I'm a teacher and not a member of UEA. For those that think they have any type of power, you are being misled. There is no pressure to join and in fact less than half of our school's teachers are members.

There is no strong arm union that people imagine in their heads.

It just doesn't exist here.

Many thanks! | 4:11 p.m. May 30, 2009

Many thanks to you all who thank your teachers! I just finished my fifteenth year of teaching in Utah public secondary schools and raised two sons who attended Utah public schools for the most part. Honestly, about 98% of the teachers I know are excellent and love what they do. To the other 2% I say, "What were you freakin' thinking? Go find another job...something that doesn't involve kids!" I started out kinda dumb and got scared into joining the UEA my first year. I wised up after that and won't join. I appreciate how they negotiate our contracts every year, but that's about it. I'm glad the Legislature is looking out for us! Many thanks to you!!

Anti's | 4:35 p.m. May 30, 2009

There is a lot of unsubstantiated anti-teacher, anti-intellectual, anti-union blather here.

If the teachers werent unionized, few Democrat, non-Mormon teachers would be hired, and those that squeaked through would be in danger.

This would make the majority power structure very happy, but it would be unAmerican and unethical.

But who thinks Utahs theocratic Republicans are ethical?

Teacher spouse | 6:20 p.m. May 30, 2009

My wife has never agreed with UEA's politics. In spite of that, she kept her UEA membership because UEA always played the fear card about how lawsuit-happy parents are these days, and how without UEA and their teacher-liability insurance the teacher would be hung out to dry in any litigation. What they UEA doesn't tell their members: teacher, as school employees, are already covered, whether member of UEA, AFT or nothing. As instant she learned that, she dropped her membership and hasn't looked back.

The funny thing: when did you last hear of a teacher getting sued by parents? Yeah, same here. And yet it's been used to scare thousands of Utah teachers into retaining their membership in an organization diametrically opposed to their values.

The NEA is even worse. Want a scare? Peruse the NEA's website. You'll discover pro-abortion, pro SOGI (sexual orientation/gender identification education and anti-homeschool stances. They support "direct and confidential access, without notification to parents, to comprehensive health education. That would include things such as learning how to use condoms for premarital sex...." Wanna invest in that?

To teacher spouse | 8:25 p.m. May 30, 2009

What you are saying about the NEA website is a vicious lie.

The reason teachers should be scared is not from being sued by parents, but being fired for no good reason.

Utah is a right-to-fire state. You can be fired for not being the right religion (Mormon) or right political party (Republican).

Every year teachers have been fired for no good reason. Remember the teacher in central Utah who was crucified by a nasty whisper campaign that accused her of being a witch?

I witnessed 5 teachers fired in the Weber district, brought to tears and possible economic ruin, and given NO REASON for their firing. This is an unethical abuse of power.

The union is supposed to defend against unfair firing. So unfortunately it is necessary.

I haven't joined because... | 9:25 p.m. May 30, 2009

I believe the UEA negotiates to the lowest common denominator. Why shouldn't there be a system that rewards excellence in education? Give me a chance to prove what I am worth to my students and put your money where your mouth is. C'mon UEA, I dare you!

@ Teacher Souse 8:25 | 10:01 p.m. May 30, 2009

Let's get your allegations straight:

First you tell us that hordes of teachers "get fired for NO REASON".

Then you insist that the Teachers Union is necessary to prevent such things.

We have the union, and you claim the firings took place "for NO REASON."

Guess that Union thing doesn't do much good does it?

Meanwhile look at the dozens of cases of Utah educators charged with criminal acts. Sure, they are a tiny minority of what is an overwhelmingly dedicated and hard work group of law abiding citizens. But, their firings certainly were justified for good reason.

The UEA and their puppet masters in the NEA are contrary to Utah values and should all be run out of the state.

Hurrah for the teachers brave enough to refuse to contribute to the UEA, and even more praise for those bold enough to refuse membership entirely. They are the ones I want teaching MY kids!

Teacher spouse | 10:09 p.m. May 30, 2009

@ To teacher spouse...

Vicious lie? Really? Please tell me that as a teacher you are not ignorant of the positions your union takes and actively promotes with your dues. The proof of the pudding is in the actions of the union's lobbyists and the money that flows in support of certain legislation and policies.

The actual term is employment-at-will, and every state in the U.S. is an employment-at-will state, although some recognize more exceptions to that doctrine than others. At the end of the day, teachers are no more vulnerable, with no less protection from wrongful termination than in any other industry. The best protection is the employer's own policy, and, in the case of a teacher, their contract. If the district violates policy or the contract in terminating them, the teacher may have a case.

In reality it is EXTREMELY difficult to terminate a Utah teacher. My wife has worked with at least three teachers that were so damaging to students they had no business teaching. Unable to fire them, principals just shuffle them off to another school, which had no clue about the problem they're inheriting.

To teacher spouse | 11:05 p.m. May 30, 2009

You are spouting inaccuracies again. There are 22 "at will" states, which, interestingly, happen to be in red states, mostly the intermountain west and the southern Bible belt.

The five teachers that were fired from Weber District without being given the courtesy and dignity to know why, were not in the UEA.

Teachers, be forewarned that you are not protected from capricious firing if you aren't in the union.

Teacher | 7:40 p.m. May 31, 2009

The union couldn't do anything about it.

Stop spouting off about how the union will protect you.

It doesn't. It can't.

Warn all you want. But the union has been nothing but bad for this Utah teacher.

The only ones that join are the mediocre teachers that fall into the trap of "you better join and be protected" line. It really is pathetic.

Proud UEA member | 12:21 a.m. June 1, 2009

Unions gave all of you who are posting your weekends off, your 40 hour work week, and your high wages. Don't bash them; without unions, all of you would be working longer hours for less pay because not one of you is from old family money. You're all worker drones. You should be thanking America's unions and the fight they led for your rights as lower/middle class American workers. How do I know you're not old money? There is none in this state compared to back east and down south.

Anonymous | 5:57 a.m. June 1, 2009

I don't care for the UEA nor PCE. Both are garbage political action committees.

The kiss of death for a candidate was a UEA endorsement for years. That changed with vouchers because people realized PCE with all the paid lobbyists (including half those who have posted on this here board) was even more of a blight to society. The UEA actually got three of their candidates in!

The reason I detest the UEA is they are to blame for teacher wages being so low while administrators are starting out at three times the start of teachers. It is their ineptitude that kept the wage from growing at an acceptable rate and only Governor Huntsman's generosity caused it to climb.

Getting rid of PACs altogether and banning ALL gifts to legislators would get my applause. Legislators won't bite the hand that feeds them though.

Don't foget the foot soldiers | 9:43 a.m. June 1, 2009

The real power of the UEA comes from its thousands of members and the PTA, who is their official water carrier. The monetary donations are a small part of the UEA's political power. The real power is the fact that everyone in Utah knows someone personally that belongs to the UEA. That's a powerful circle of influence that really no other group can imitate. Add to that the fact that they have members in every district and precinct with a political organization that's interwoven in our publicly funded school system and you have the perfect recipe for a powerful political machine.

The political deduction ban, which is ethically right regardless of who it helps or hinders, is but a thorn in their side. Did anyone notice that Vic Arnold also sat on the board that helped narrow down the list of State Superintendent candidates? Talk about the fox guarding the hen house. Who cares how much PAC money you have when you have the seat at the table of every major K-12 decision.

Utah is a right-to-fire state? | 11:51 a.m. June 1, 2009

Utah is a right-to-work state.

That means you can be in a union if you want, but do not have to be.

Again, UEA/NEA do more harm than good, and the PTA is starting to head that direction - which is sad.

Teacher Spouse | 12:28 p.m. June 1, 2009

@ To teacher spouse | 11:05 p.m.
Where, pray tell, are you getting your information? Every state in the United States subscribes to the Employment At-Will doctrine. The only variance is in the number of exceptions recognized to the rule. Montana is the only state with any statutory exceptions, in that the rule only applies during probationary employment, but technically is still an "at-will" state.

My point is that in most cases, because of a particular state's exceptions, the employer's policy and/or the employee's contract with that employer provides protection, under the law, from capricious dismissal. Employers go to great pains when dismissing someone in order to avoid wrongful termination lawsuits. They are expensive, messy and create bad PR that hampers an employer's ability to hire good people.

If, in fact, the Weber District terminations you mentioned above were the result of discrimination, they can file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). This includes discrimination on the base of age, race, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, or disability. After that is filed, they may then file a private lawsuit (UEA membership not required).

Anonymous | 1:44 p.m. June 1, 2009

Teacher spouse, Perhaps some of those Weber teachers did file private law suits, but that is very expensive. Had they been in the teachers union, the union would have represented them in an unfair firing.

Jinx | 2:08 p.m. June 1, 2009

Teachers and Students are the victims of these corrupt unions and corrupt administrations.
We could increase the benefit to our students immediately by firing half of the administration and hiring more teachers. Up here in the Weber District, we are so bloated in the district office and they do nothing but suck up our money and try to devise strategies to cut costs by lopping off teachers jobs or cutting days from school schedules.
Too many chiefs not enough Indians!

Clare | 5:11 p.m. June 1, 2009

I would like you to know that today I authorized money to go to the UEA directly from my checking account. I have never donated before, but your desire to dictate to me how I can spend my money has given me great incentive. A lot of us other teachers are donating, also. I did not give one penny to the NEA. I violently disagree with them, but the UEA ROCKS!!!!! I have a right to voice my political views. The union is the only reason teachers get decent pay and benefits. I adore my students and this is the only way I am able to help them, not counting the HUGE amount of money I spend on my wonderful students!

Anonymous | 5:37 a.m. June 2, 2009

The UEA has so much power that the teachers in this state are overpaid and every candidate they endorse wins by a landslide.

Not.

The UEA is lacking in power and clout politically. People like Howard W Stephenson can simply ignore them (as he has always done) because no one really listens to them. There practically is no 'union' in any respectable sense of the word in Utah.

jefejivaro | 9:56 a.m. June 2, 2009

To those singing the praises of unions, I will grant that much progress has been made on behalf of beleaguered workers over the last century by unions. An objective observer, however, must recognize that our U.S. auto industry would not be in shambles, and thousands of auto industry employees would not be facing the specter of unemployment had it not been for the unreasonable demands made by the UAW. The UAW has not served it's members well. They needed to use their seat at the bargaining table and on the governing boards of the industry as a business-minded PARTNER, rather than an adversary. That approach, over the last 30 years during which Asian auto makers have risen to domination, would have yielded a flexible, nimble industry that would have been able to respond vigorously and successfully to the Japanese and Korean challengers. The odd irony is that the union leaders kept their power by assuring their members they were acting in the members' best interest. As they say, power corrupts. What began as a wonderful success story at the beginning of the 20th century turned into a story of greed and betrayal.

Randall | 10:51 a.m. June 2, 2009

No Wonder Utah Finished 48th In Income.
25K Is Way Too Much Here For A Teacher.....

UEA has fought | 10:54 a.m. June 2, 2009

. . . every single needed, positive educational reform initiative for the past 40 years.

UEA is, purely and simply, a Hoffa-esque teachers' union, dedicated to the greatest political power it can obtain for its union bosses, and the best financial arrangements it can obtain for teachers.

That's all. Nothing else.

It should be held to account any time it seeks to portray itself as anything but a hard-nosed, rough-and-tumble trade union -- like when it tries to pass itself off as a grass roots organization, speaking up for students or the people of the state.

It's sad that it has come to this, but one can pretty well determine what is best for education, students, taxpayers, and Utah by looking at what UEA opposes.

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Law cut political power of UEA