The Effect of Speaking Up

Some confuse diplomacy with a lack of resolve.  Cordiality can be mistaken for weakness.  These assumptions are often proven wrong.  Such was the case this week.  On Tuesday afternoon, our members made this clear to the school board of the Menifee Union School District.  Your passionate but well-reasoned speeches before the board and members of the public delivered our message in no uncertain terms:  We deserve and, as such, demand respect.  This is not the petulant stance of underperforming, entitled clock watchers.  This is the reasonable expectation of dedicated professionals and, like the professionals of our surrounding communities, worthy of recognition.

On Wednesday, an encouraging number of our members put faces on our position.  Your presence underscored our determination to reach a fair settlement. Your Team understands that no one really wants to carry a sign on a sidewalk after a full day of work, but we cannot convey how important your footsteps and honk-inducing noises were to our joint cause.

The activity of these two days served to further the bargaining process more than all of our previous sessions combined.  While this is not intended to imply that a settlement is imminent, Your Team sees reason for optimism.  We return to the table on Monday, June 1.  Regardless of the outcome of that day, we envision some finality in our presentation to your Site Representatives on Tuesday, June 2.  This will either be in the form of a Tentative Agreement subject to membership and board ratification or the absence of such an agreement and a plan to, perhaps, pursue the next step in the negotiations process.

On behalf of the Team, and of the Membership at large, I extend sincere gratitude to those who were able to offer their time and talents this week.  We will continue to devote our best to your interests.
 
Mike Williams
Negotiations Chair