Prop 2 Insider

October 1, 2012

GETTING THE TRUTH OUT

The Michigan Truth Squad, the Michigan State Board of Education and the Wayne County Sheriff have denounced it. Yet special corporate interests continue to run an outrageous campaign of lies in an attempt to scare the public into voting against Prop 2. We entrust our teachers and school personnel with the care and education of our children every day. We require them to teach how our democracy works, and the importance of free and open debate, said John Austin, State Board of Education President. This ad repugnantly suggests our teachers would negotiate away the safety of school children, and violates every standard of accuracy in the exercise of free speech. Those claims have no credibility. The facts are: All current teachers and newly hired teachers receive background checks conducted by the FBI. Prop 2 doesnt change that. If an employee of a public school is charged with a crime, disclosure to the Superintendent of the district is required under the Pupil Protection Act. Prop 2 does not change that. If a school employee is convicted of a crime, the due process and legal prosecution is not affected by Prop 2. Federal and State of Michigan law make clear that labor organizations cannot bargain about the licensing requirements under federal and state law that set the safety standards for school bus drivers. Prop 2 does not change that. Why do they tell these lies? Because they are desperate. Rather than discuss the issues, they resort to using fear. The best response to these ads is for every member to talk with their friends, family members and neighbors about Prop 2. Tell them how collective bargaining protects working families by providing a voice for all workers. Tell them how collective bargaining helps nurses, firefighters and police improve public safety by enabling them to bargain staffing, training and safety standards. Tell them how collective bargaining helps improve education when teachers and support professionals bargain working conditions that become the students learning conditions. Voters will believe an ad, no matter how outrageous, until someone they know and trust tells them differently. Two conflicting ads usually cause voters to be confused, and when they are confused, they will usually vote against an issue. However, they will believe someone they trust. It is up to all of us to get the truth out.

DONT LET THE LIARS WIN

Collective bargaining brings employees and employers together to negotiate for fair wages, benefits and working conditions that are good for us all. Prop. 2 will safeguard collective bargaining rights for future generations of Michigans working families. But shadowy front groups for corporate special interests have already spent or reserved over 10 million dollars worth of false and misleading advertising attacking Prop 2. Working people cant outspend corporate bosses, but we can make sure our friends, families and neighbors get the facts. There are a couple of ways you can help: Host a House Party to discuss Prop 2. Its a fun and easy way to get involved with Protect Working Families. Sign up at houseparties@ protectourjobs.com, and the campaign will send you a House Party kit and help you set up your event. Knock on doors with the Protect Working Families campaign. Were canvassing during the week and weekends. Go to protectourjobs.com to volunteer. Organize canvassing in your area. The attached letter from Waverly EA President, Matt Oppenheim, describes how easy this is. Create an MEA Day of Action with your colleagues. Contact your UniServ Director for help. 36

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