Colleagues,
This week in a narrow decision, the U.S. Supreme Court turned its back on the educators, nurses, firefighters, police officers and public servants who make our communities strong and safe. You may have already received some spam in your Oxnardsd email account from those who want to silence our voices.
In Janus v. AFSCME, the court overturned a decision allowing the collection of fair share fees that was established more than 40 years ago. Allowing some to opt-out of paying will make it harder for all public employees to provide the services that everyone depends on. In short, it will be harder for workers to join strong unions. The key word here is harder, not impossible.
When we stand together, we have power. Power that allows us to bargain better learning and working conditions, good contracts that include pay increases, health care and retirement security. It gives us a seat at the table to negotiate for things that improve the educational opportunities of our students such as school safety, smaller class sizes, and more resources to keep students healthy and supported.
If we allow this decision to weaken our union, our ability to bargain better pay and benefits, support for new educators and necessary services for our most at-risk youth goes away. That’s why it’s more important than ever for us to keep our union strong.
So, while the court made it more difficult for us to do our jobs, we are a resourceful group. We will continue to do what it takes to advocate for both students and teachers.
In solidarity,
Stacie Thurman, President Elect
Oxnard Educators Association
This week in a narrow decision, the U.S. Supreme Court turned its back on the educators, nurses, firefighters, police officers and public servants who make our communities strong and safe. You may have already received some spam in your Oxnardsd email account from those who want to silence our voices.
In Janus v. AFSCME, the court overturned a decision allowing the collection of fair share fees that was established more than 40 years ago. Allowing some to opt-out of paying will make it harder for all public employees to provide the services that everyone depends on. In short, it will be harder for workers to join strong unions. The key word here is harder, not impossible.
When we stand together, we have power. Power that allows us to bargain better learning and working conditions, good contracts that include pay increases, health care and retirement security. It gives us a seat at the table to negotiate for things that improve the educational opportunities of our students such as school safety, smaller class sizes, and more resources to keep students healthy and supported.
If we allow this decision to weaken our union, our ability to bargain better pay and benefits, support for new educators and necessary services for our most at-risk youth goes away. That’s why it’s more important than ever for us to keep our union strong.
So, while the court made it more difficult for us to do our jobs, we are a resourceful group. We will continue to do what it takes to advocate for both students and teachers.
In solidarity,
Stacie Thurman, President Elect
Oxnard Educators Association
