Can't always get what you want
Even in liberal Detroit there is push-back against public-sector Unions.
From the
Detroit Free Press:
Robert Bobb plans to use new powers to modify union contracts
Robert Bobb, the emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools, put teachers on notice Thursday that he plans to use his expanded powers under a new state law to modify their contracts.
"I fully intend to use the authority that was granted," Bobb said, referring to a new law that gives emergency managers the authority to modify -- or terminate -- collective bargaining agreements. It was the first time Bobb had publicly indicated he intends to use the expanded authority.
His statement came as the district announced Thursday it is sending layoff notices to all 5,466 members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers and non-renewal notices to 248 administrators. DPS has issued massive layoff notices before, but not to every teacher.
The layoff notices are required under the contract within 60 days of the end of the school year. In recent years, the district has issued large numbers of layoff notices this time of year as it prepares to respond to shrinking enrollment.
The district said it plans to issue notices to its other bargaining units by April 30.
The guy knows what to do:
During the last contract negotiation in 2009, Bobb wanted the union to give up the seniority process so that administrators could hire or fire teachers regardless of experience. The union balked...
When they say: "regardless of experience" they really mean seniority. A fresh new hire that is popular and is a great teacher will get laid off before a 20-year veteran hack who is just keeping their seat warm. This will go a long way to improve the kids education. I also love that he is targeting the administrators too. Get some deadwood out of there...
Posted by DaveH at April 15, 2011 11:35 AM