NEA leader: We won't work with Trump and DeVos ...

[L. Coyote]

Teachers union leader: We won't work with Trump and DeVos because 'I do not trust their motives'

The president of the country's largest labor union, Lily Eskelsen García of the National Education Association, told delegates at her organization's annual gathering that they would not work with the Trump administration because the president and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos could not be trusted to do what is in the best interests of children.

Eskelsen García just addressed the 96th NEA Representative Assembly meeting in Boston, accusing President Donald Trump of residing "at the dangerous intersection of arrogance and ignorance" and labeled DeVos as "the queen of for-profit privatization of public education." She said in part:

"Let me say this to all of you as clearly as I can, so that even if you disagree with me, you understand what is in my heart: I will not allow the National Education Association to be used by Donald Trump or Betsy DeVos. I do not trust their motives. I do not believe their alternative facts. I see no reason to assume they will do what is best for our students and their families. There will be no photo-op.

"We will find common ground with many Republicans and many Democrats on many issues. We will not find common ground with an administration that is cruel and callous to our children and their families. And I don't just judge them by their words; I judge them by their actions."

Neither the Education Department nor the White House responded to queries for a reaction .................

[leftyladyfrommo]

1. Good for them! nt

[Zoonart]

2. WOW

" Trump administration because the president and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos could not be trusted to do what is in the best interests of children. "

Let that sink in, voters.

[tonyt53]

3. Only thing is, The NEA is no more a labor union than the AMA is a union for doctors.

While most teachers belong to the NEA, it is just a representative organization. Many states do not recognize unionizes state workers. It is going to come down to individual states and their willingness to allow Trump and DeVos to destroy public education.

[murielm99]

4. Are you a teacher?

Why are you badmouthing the NEA? This is nonsense.

I am glad the NEA is taking this stand.

[tonyt53]

17. No, I am not. But three of my sisters are and I am a retired union member and union activist.

Been around for a while. The NEA is not a labor union. The NEA aligns itself with a an organization that is made up of various educational labor unions. The NEA is not, and never has been a member of the AFL-CIO here in the US. Just speaking facts, and some people appear to not like that if it doesn't align with their own thinking.

[George II]

5. The NEA is a labor union. Don't know where you got the idea it's not.

[NWProf]

6. If you don't know what you are talking about...

just remain quiet. The NEA (as well as the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO) are Unions. They represent their members. They fight for them in working disputes. They advocate for teachers as well as students. From time to time, they advocate for increases in pay for their members (because just like corporations, school districts do not increase pay out of the generosity of their hearts). The NEA and AFT advocate for the best practices in teaching students. Because of these two great Unions, teachers can teach without fearing retribution for voicing a concern, or pointing out a breach in contract. If that isn't the essence of a Union, nothing is.

All states recognize Unions, only Right to Work (for less) states do not require a closed shop. That is, if 51% (of a company or school district) decide to form a Union, then everyone pays dues into the Union for its representation although you do not have to "join" the Union. Right to Work (for less) states say you can form a union, but you do not have to join nor are you required to pay dues. Thus Unions go broke because they have to represent people who are not paying into the system. The employer can wait for the Union to collapse in pay disputes. Workers in RTW states have little bargaining power and thus are paid less.

[kimbutgar]

9. I am a NEA member

EVery few months I get newsletters detailing what they are doing and sharing teaching strategies and resources. I am glad to be a member.

Bravo to them for fighting back. The new narrative for public education is government education. If we don't stop Devos and chump we will have a next generation of dummies.

[maddiemom]

14. For years the NEA preferred to consider itself a professional organization.

Teachers would never think of striking and the NEA was not much support. When the AFT was formed, it unabashedly called itself a union. You have to have been around for a while to remember the history. It was a bit more complicated than just referring to both as unions (no caps needed for the general reference). If you are a professor (does NW=Northwestern?), I sincerely hope that you don't correct your young adult students in the same tone as you began your post.

[tonyt53]

18. If you don;t know what you are talking about, don;t make things up. The NEA is NOT a union.

Many states DO NOT recognize unions that represent city, county, or state employees. Nor do they bargain with them when it comes to pay and benefits.

Oh, and i was raised on union wages, I have three sisters that are retired teachers, they also belonged to the NEA but were never represented by the NEA because the state does not recognize them here. I am also a retired 42 year union member that was a local president for many years, business manager, international rep, and proud union activist. I have walked picket lines in support with various labor unions in multiple states. I also know more than a little bit about RTW. so stop being condescending. I actually know a little more than what you pretend to know.

[L. Coyote]

11. The NEA is the largest union in the country.

The National Education Association is the largest professional interest group in the United States. It represents public school teachers and other support personnel, faculty and staffers at colleges .... The NEA has just under 3 million members .... The NEA is incorporated as a professional association in a few states and as a labor union in most. The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code. It is not a member of the AFL–CIO, but is part of Education International, the global federation of teachers' unions. ........... wiki

[TygrBright]

7. Looks like we have our PATCO of the 21st Century. n/t

[zentrum]

12. I think you're right nt

[gademocrat7]

8. Bravo, NEA!

Chump and Devos are unfit to serve.

[ailsagirl]

10. Good!!

More and more people/organizations are standing up to that clod-- it's setting a significant precedent!!

[smirkymonkey]

16. Hear, hear!

Both DeVos and Trump need to be locked up for crimes against the state.