Dear Members,
We are all aware of the potential bus drivers strike that may start Monday, May 8th. Brendan and I have been talking to district leadership regarding many moving parts that could potentially affect us as teachers. At this time, we are not able to make any decisions until the bus drivers actually start to strike.
Also, MTA is advising the MEA regarding the potential strike by the bus drivers and how our union can support another union. At this time we are holding off sending out specific information regarding the support and solidarity we can show Teamsters Local 170.
Each building has received communication from their building administration asking for volunteers and possibly paid positions to accompany students walking to the schools and monitoring students at the school buildings before or after school. At this time, we cannot take a definitive stance and we are asking you to do what you feel is right for you. If there is a strike we may take a different stance on MEA members taking on these types of positions. We will share any information we can as Monday approaches.
Other MEA information:
For those that hold a stipend position for the MEA your timesheet for the second half of the year is due. Please forward your timesheet to Kathy DeChane at Jaworek so she can get your stipend check to you. Make sure you have your school on the timesheet to make it easier Kathy. She has a lot of checks to pass out!
Brendan is working on absentee ballots for the spring Eboard election. Changes were made to the absentee voting in the last edit of the By-laws and Brendan is cross-checking the procedure that was voted on so the voting is fair and what the By-laws intended. The absentee ballot directions will come out ten days before the election as stated in the By-laws.
Thank you for your support!
Best,
Brendan and Eileen