A former groupie (Oh well. There are many more groupies out there) told me just before the election that if Unity were to win the Coalition must not only stay together but must--and I am paraphrasing here--act as a shadow union and respond to each and every move by Unity as well be a de facto "shadow government."
So what can, as well as should, the Coalition do as the loyal opposition?
The First DA in September
Resolution to make all Delegate Assembly meetings open to the rank and file through online and/or through the phone. It is time for the all dues paying members to see how Unity controls the DA and clamps down on issues that do not toe the party line.
Second, a resolution to make all voting at the DA to make voting secret. The technology is there. It's been used to for those voting by phone. Time for the same for in person voting. Get a few kids from Stuyvesant to create an app or add to the UFT app and let all vote their conscience. Update 5/22 It has come to my attention that the DA now has secret voting. My apologies for being incorrect.
Executive Board
Same goes with the executive board. It's time that all members can see and hear what is going on there. Plus, for those that wish to speak before board and unable to schlep to 52 Broadway phone and/or video must be codiciled within the UFT constitution.
A Long Campaign
The campaign for 2025 begins today. The Coalition did a great job with only very little time as a coalition. Yes, 2025 is three years away but it will be here before we know it.
Stay on the Offensive
Fuck pissing of Unity and the UFT. Do it to them before they do it to you. Make everything public that the coalition is doing and thinking. Put them back on their heels.
Raise Money
This will be hard but there needs to be money in the coffers. A source of funds. Find a celebrity sugar daddy. Why...?
Because We Are About to Get Screwed
On the next contract. Yep, we are. We need to get the word out there how crappy it will be. The work that the Coalition put into the election will be needed to share with the rank and file how crappy the new contract will be. Flyers and Happy Hours will be needed.
Medicare (Dis)Advantage
Shackles are now off of Mulgrew. See above.
Don't Give Up
Be persistent. Be a thorn in the buttocks of Unity/UFT. Think steps ahead. Make Unity/UFT be reactive to the Coalition.
Yard Signs!!!
I know I sound like a broken record... But while I am on the point let's visit some things I have said in the past:
Speak to one teacher ask them to speak to ten teachers. Give them enough leaflets, information, websites, emails, to share with their colleagues. United for Change must think of itself as Amway or Mary Kay.
I've said it before, and I will say it again. I have a friend who is in direct mail. Let's see what he can do for UFC.
But don't go inside. The UFT represents nurses at (I forget how many) city hospitals. Don't go in the operating room but rather linger outside and follow some of the above ideas. And go to other non education places that the UFT represents.
Unless we try we will never know if any of the above will work.
