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Ruling Upholds the Right of Public Employees to Resign From Union Whenever They Want
MERC unanimously outlines intention to throw out MEA's 'August window'
… limitation is illegal, the MEA should no longer pursue collections … Policy. “That should help the MEA realize that it is time for … collection agencies.”
The MEA has based its withdrawal limitation … action with MERC challenging the MEA position. The employees accused the MEA of committing an unfair labor … more
MEA Attack on Online Charters Misses Mark
Policy based on bad data, double standards would hurt families
… success stories provide only part of the picture. The MEA president’s strident case simply isn’t supported … bolster her case to shut down cyberschools, the MEA president singles out Michigan Virtual Academy for … schools that perform badly on the state rankings, the MEA has had a different message. It has opposed efforts … more
Why the MEA Attacks the Center — and FDR
… government and has publicly recommended its repeal. Significantly, however, the MEA is mounting the attack at the very time when policymakers are finally beginning … cooperation and voluntary association. In fact, it’s a noble calling the MEA once fulfilled.
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Thomas Shull is senior editor at the Mackinac Center … more
Outgoing Leader Was Disastrous for Teachers Union
MEA lost tens of thousands of members and power under president Steve Cook
… Association.
Cook was elected MEA president in April 2011 and … state of Michigan.
Cook and MEA officials did not respond to … Services Association (MESSA), an MEA subsidiary that for years has … Amy Hodgson said dropping the MEA subsidiary’s coverage not only … condition of employment. The MEA had 117,265 dues-paying members … more
MEA’s August Window Declared Illegal
Judge finds union guilty of unfair labor practices
… not trump state statute. The MEA, unfortunately, chose to treat …
Under an internal rule the MEA would not accept a member’s … Schools employees charged the MEA with unfair labor practices. … cases, that Respondent [the MEA] violated Section 10 (20) (a) … will recommend that MERC order MEA to cease and desist from enforcing … more
Union President Blames State, School Officials for Problems at Buena Vista, Pontiac Schools
MEA President Cook turns a blind eye to union's role in districts problems
… Association (MESSA), which was created by the MEA, sued and won a judgment against the … to pay for health insurance. As the MEA president, Cook sits on the board of … problems," Van Beek said.
Cook and MEA Spokesman Doug Pratt didn't respond … to Unrealistic Contract
In Pontiac, MEA Local Raises $12K For School Supplies … more
MEA-Endorsed Candidate: Education Spending Is Up
… Confidential. “The only way they (the MEA) can say that it is down is … I don’t agree with what the MEA is saying about spending.” … Rick Snyder took office, the MEA, which is the state’s largest …
“Actually, I don’t agree with MEA on a lot of things,” Perlberg … “When I filled out their (MEA’s) questionnaire I said I disagreed … more
MEA Drops Attempt to Stop Vote on Decertification
Grand Rapids Community College workers move forward with re-evaluating the union
… petition requesting it. The MEA filed its complaint and request … They want to determine if the MEA is still a good fit for their … Members complained that under the MEA they were paying more and getting … member speaking on behalf of the MEA says the union dropped the complaint … reason we agreed for [the] MEA to withdraw the petition was … more
MEA President Goes After Local Teachers' Union President
'I'm angry that he has painted me inaccurately. I'm more angry that he continues to deceive good teachers who deserve good leadership'
… sent out an email recently to MEA members that said Perialas negotiated … when they were members of the MEA, the union seldom provided any … requested assistance from the MEA would just send generic manuals … Control'
Breaking Away From the MEA
Teacher Union President Continues … Problems At Buena Vista, Pontiac
MEA President Repeats 'Disingenuous' … more
Teachers Victorious In Their Quest To Get Out Of The MEA
Union drops its fight against Miriam Chanski and Ray Arthur, but others still locked in
… freedom from the union.
The MEA is no longer contesting complaints … Relations Commission, and the MEA recently gave up its fight against … November, Doug Pratt, the MEA's spokesman at the time, testified …
During the MERC hearing, the MEA presented a dues collection … between $900 and $1,000 to the MEA, the National Education Association … more
MEA Republicans
… but starting back in the mid-1990s the MEA also began inserting itself into Republican … been fairly successful with the tactic. "MEA Republicans" prevented several attempts … union endorsements, notifying GOP primary voters in MEA-targeted districts of which candidates … Democrats
Pro Union Republicans
The MEA Money Tree more
MEA Agency Fees Far Exceed Cost of Contract Negotiations
Union spokesman: 'Everything is about money'
… "freeloaders."
But has the MEA been the freeloader by overcharging … December 2012, members of the MEA who opted out had only one choice … maintaining the contract."
The MEA calculates the cost to negotiate … reports and information from MEA documents, the union's agency … according to interviews with MEA members. MEA dues ranges from … more
MEA Aggressive With Dues Collection Information; Silent On How To Opt Out
Union executive questioned at MERC hearing about unfair labor practice complaints
… leave the union.
According to MEA officials, its members can only … the month of August.
"Does MEA have the capacity of telling … Jeffery Donahue, representing the MEA and the Saginaw Education Association, … of course," she said.
The MEA's August window for members to … they choose.
In 2013, the MEA had to adjust to two major changes … more
Mackinac Center on TV: Patrick Wright talks MEA settlement
Mackinac Center paid $77K by teachers union to settle January 2022 lawsuit
… frivolous, they had the opportunity to pass on the suit,” Wright said.
MEA spokesman Doug Pratt called the Mackinac Center lawsuit “frivolous” in his … ineligible.
Related reading: Mackinac Center paid $77K for reporting that MEA improperly took COVID-19 relief money
Joseph G. Lehman, president of the … more
MEA Rhetoric Aimed At Misdirecting Teachers From Focusing On August Opt Out
Union bashes Mackinac Center and oil companies; teacher pension funds bolstered by Exxon, Chevron
… little accountability.
The MEA does not like that the Mackinac … Teachers who belong to the MEA but do not want to support the … And it profiles some of the MEA members who are fed up with … so restrictive because the MEA did not tell them. In fact, … seven months since and the MEA is directing resources at attacking … more
Spiking Pensions: Another MEA Executive Involved in Special Deals
Scheme takes funds from real school employees
… $65,003. Trainor’s salary at the MEA is $151,675, according to papers … which it is reimbursed by the MEA.
MEA President Steve Cook, Vice President Nancy Strachan and previous MEA presidents Iris Salters and … email seeking comment. The MEA has not responded to emails … more
MEA Says Union Members Should Have Known About Limited Window to Leave
Union officials complain about members who opt out, but still want to represent them; 'sanctity of contracts' claim questioned during Senate testimony
… they can leave the union, an MEA official said during testimony … find the information on the MEA's website, said Doug Pratt, a spokesman for the MEA.
Pratt, who now also serves … not a secret."
Pratt said MEA members who specifically asked … been criticized publicly by MEA officials. MEA President Steve … more
In Pontiac, MEA Local Raises $12K For School Supplies While Union Health Insurance Arm Sues District for $7.8 Million
Union affiliated MESSA got $7.8M judgment against Pontiac School District
… benefits that was created by the MEA and serves numerous school districts … all have direct ties to the MEA.
While the MEA blames education funding cuts … deductibles.
MESSA was founded by the MEA. According to MESSA’s latest … can be directly linked to the MEA either through past service … more
MEA Sends Collections Agency After Another Member Trying To Leave
School employee: 'I am extremely frustrated and angry about the time I have to expend fighting the union for my freedom from harassment'
… is a bylaw exclusive to the MEA and is being legally challenged. … former union president, said the MEA should not use collection agencies … window.
“I do not believe the MEA or my local appropriately told … Ellsworth said. “However, both the MEA and my local have explained … so I think it is fine if the MEA wants to use a collection agency … more
Bipartisan Senate Panel To Investigate Possible MEA Right-to-Work Violations
Teacher: '[Since dropping union] I have been subjected to intimidation, bullying and even threats to ruin my credit rating'
… right-to-work law.
Allegations against the MEA, Michigan’s largest teachers … the allegations against the MEA. Sen. Meekhof will chair the … the initial hearing on the MEA's actions is scheduled for Wednesday, … their local unions and the MEA.
Before the passage of the … a reporter pointed out that the MEA has traditionally reserved August … more
School districts could become dues collectors for employee unions under current legislation
MEA, other unions, could make a collection requirement part of employee contracts
MEA Sends Credit Agency After Teacher Who Stopped Paying Dues
Kindergarten teacher became eligible for right-to-work, but union says she can only get out in August
… March 28, 2013.
However, the MEA only allows its members to opt … right-to-work law.
According to the MEA, there are still 7,000 members … collecting from everyone, the MEA created a policy about how to … days of nonpayment.
The MEA's legal counsel, Art Przbylowicz … in a legal dispute over the MEA's limited window for resigning. … more
District Disputes MEA President's Claim About School Funding Cuts
Steve Cook said Wayne-Westland lost $40 million under Gov. Snyder; administration official says district received more revenue
… funding increase.
In a column for The Detroit News, MEA President Steve Cook wrote: "Take the Wayne-Westland … school funding in his columns in the past.
The MEA didn't respond to requests for comment.
Cook's … Officials For Problems At Buena Vista, Pontiac
MEA President Repeats 'Disingenuous' Claim About Teacher … more
MEA Ignores Socioeconomic Status In Claiming Public Charter School is 'Failing'
Cesar Chavez Academy is a highly-rated school based on comparable students
… not be allowed to expand.
How is there such a discrepancy?
The study the MEA trumpets was done by The Education Trust-Midwest and cites 2012 Michigan … Zeman, communications director for the Education Trust-Midwest, and the MEA's Spokespeople Nancy Knight and Eleanor Mustafa didn't respond to requests … more
MEA Memo Outlines Regrets and Possible Ways To Fight Right-to-Work Law
Union President: '[Recalls] are the least appealing of all the options'
… won't likely be part of the MEA's future plans.
"We tried the 'send … their attacks," Cook wrote.
MEA Spokesman Doug Pratt didn't … different perspective about the MEA’s views on recall efforts on … support recalling Scott. The MEA donated $25,000 to support the … described above," he wrote.
The MEA would "likely be on its own" … more
Like A Broken Record, MEA Complains About 'Insufficient Funds'
Since 1990s, education spending has been a priority; has increased under Gov. Snyder
… funding. But records show that the MEA and allied groups have been … Census Bureau.
Nonetheless, the MEA and its allies maintain year … insufficient funding.
"The MEA has been pushing the same tired … would be refreshing to see the MEA put forward an innovative proposal … exceeded expectations, the MEA found reasons to complain. … more
MEA Testimony: Lower K-12 Spending State Does Better Than Michigan
Comparison contradicts union’s talking points
… area.
Year after year, the MEA lobbies for more money and equates … union’s complaint list and the MEA says that is a problem that … Kentwood elementary teacher and MEA member, contradicted his own … same day in support of the MEA. In her testimony, Matafferi stuck to the traditional MEA line about Michigan not spending … more
After Mackinac’s Successful Informational Campaign MEA Double-Talks
… to put on right-to-work, the MEA continues its attempt to provide … exercised their rights during the MEA’s arbitrary (and now ruled illegal) … choice whether to stay in the MEA or leave. Throughout the summer … the “August window” from the MEA.
Some recently elected local … whether to stay or leave the MEA.
Teachers wanting to opt out … more
MEA Demands Immediate Health Insurance Payment From School District In Serious Debt
Judge ruled Pontiac School District has 10 years to pay off $7.8 million
… Association, an affiliate of the MEA, is demanding full payment to … benefits that was created by the MEA and serves numerous school districts … according to information on the MEA's website.
On June 25, the MEA posted an article on its website quoting … can be directly linked to the MEA either through past service … more
MEA Executives Take Big Pay Raises While Liabilities Continue to Grow
Pay hikes up to 44 percent come while union reports assets of negative $135 million
… Labor.
Rick Trainor, the MEA’s secretary-treasurer, had the … $158,296. Nancy Strachan, the MEA vice president, saw her salary … $203,144. Gretchen Dziadosz, the MEA’s executive director, saw her … executives come at a time when the MEA is experiencing a loss of membership, … $206 million this year.
Many MEA members are taking pay freezes … more
Teachers Union Head Should Know: Links Upset Parents With ‘Shaming, Intimidation And Bullying’
MEA president not happy with tense school board meetings on face masks and race-based curriculums
… published by The Detroit News.
The MEA, however, itself used public … paying dues to the union, many MEA affiliates posted their names … right-to-work took effect, the MEA sought to ruin their credit … non-payment of dues by the MEA despite the right-to-work law.
Bullying: Former MEA President Steve Cook used name … more
Michigan’s Largest Teachers Union Got Nearly $500k From Collections Agencies
MEA has lost tens of thousands of members, is pursuing them by ‘any legal means’
… pay union dues.
In 2019, the MEA collected $483,669 in unpaid … figures were contained in the MEA’s annual report to the federal … 2013 memo, Steve Cook, the MEA’s president at the time, laid … before the law was enacted, the MEA union had 117,265 active members. … 78,475 dues-payers in 2019.
The MEA didn’t respond to an email seeking … more
Michigan teachers unions continue to shed members
Latest filings show that MEA has lost 1,000 members since last year
… LM-2, a financial report the MEA and other labor unions must … government. According to the report, MEA’s revenue decreased to $84.2 … law was enacted in 2012, the MEA had 117,265 members. The number … teachers in public schools. The MEA’s parent organization, the National … in 2022, a 49.1% drop.
The MEA, AFSCME and AFT did not respond … more
Independent Union Shows Unions Can Prosper Under Right-To-Work
Roscommon Teachers Association left the MEA and doesn't have to bully members to keep them
… half the amount charged by the MEA, the state's largest teachers … make all the payments.
The MEA continues to impose a one-month … Stern’s 2014 ruling that the MEA is breaking the law by only … paying during August.
The MEA lost an estimated 5,000 members … million), it's unlikely the MEA could have bargained a better … more
Breaking Away from the MEA
… money. Breaking away from the MEA took time and effort. In an … similar action:
Be prepared: The MEA does not go away easily. Expect … financial resources similar to the MEA?"
Approach younger teachers: … realities.
Wait until staunch MEA teachers retire: This may take … information: Most of the data the MEA uses for this service can now … more
Teacher Got Plenty of Info About Paying Union Dues, Nothing About Opting Out of the MEA
Saginaw teacher: 'It's a matter of principle and doing what's right'
… Relations Commission against their local unions and the MEA. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation is representing … statement because that's not the case," he said.
The MEA's strategy of keeping teachers in the dark about … original posting.)
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See also:
Teachers Sue MEA To Escape Union
Union Threatens Hall of Fame Coach … more
Teachers Union Presidents Extract Lucrative Benefits from Schools – For Themselves
MEA officials use rare deals with districts to garner rich government pensions
…
Battaglieri was the first of three MEA presidents to parlay a six-figure … lucrative state pension. The MEA reimbursed Fraser Public Schools … allowed to use his 14 years as an MEA employee and his union president's … consistently with the mission of the MEA, which is to extract as much …
Battaglieri was the first of three MEA presidents to strike “educator … more
August Is ‘Get Out of the Union Month’ For Teachers
MEA says it's dedicated to enforcing the one-month only window for teachers to exercise their rights
… Association concerned for months. In January, MEA President Steve Cook said the union … again recently when he sent an email to MEA members claiming, among other things, that an independent union that decertified from the MEA significantly increased costs for its … teachers who no longer want to be in the MEA would be to decertify in favor of a … more
Union Head: Teachers Get No Time to Attend Professional Conferences
Yet, the law and union contracts mandate time off for that and the MEA holds its conferences on school days
… News editorial section.
ForTheRecord says: The MEA union held several conferences for teachers during … on Friday, March 16, and Saturday, March 17. An MEA training session for female union stewards and officials … school year.”
And union contracts negotiated by MEA affiliates usually require districts to accommodate … more
Married Couple Paid $163,000 As Teachers; Complain About Pay
Ann Arbor teacher spoke at MEA rally in Lansing about her family’s salaries
… the past two years.
The June 26 feature on the MEA website mentioned an Ann Arbor Public Schools teacher, … premiums over the past several years times two,” the MEA wrote.
“This state still has not recovered from … education from 2010,” Garcia said, according to the MEA article. “It’s beyond urgent. We passed urgent a … more
MEA's Insults to Educators Pile Up as More and More Bolt
… right-to-work environment, it appears the response from the MEA and its local affiliates to no longer being able … demean school employees who don't want to pay. The MEA has lost 18 percent of its members since 2012, the … in Roscommon, the local teachers union left the MEA in 2012, when employees there started their own … more
MEA Union President In Line for Six-Figure Government Pension
Despite just 15 years in the classroom, special deal may net Steve Cook $105,000 a year
… confirmed that on Thursday. The MEA has refused to reveal specific … an “educator on loan” to the MEA. Some of the specifics of Cook’s … based on his $200,000-plus MEA salary and not the much smaller … employer comes at a time when the MEA's own pension fund is facing … help cover those costs, the MEA started charging unionized school … more
Second MEA President Used $200,000+ Union Salary to ‘Spike’ Public Pension
Special deal allows Iris Salters to collect $140,000 per year
… an “educator on loan” to the MEA while employed as a high-level … the cost reimbursed by the MEA. But the state is required to … to the arrangement current MEA President Steve Cook has with … other top union officials, the MEA has told other media outlets … loan” deals over the years. The MEA did not respond to a request … more
School District Saves By Dumping Expensive Union Insurance Plan
Dansville district saved $250,000 after getting rid of MEA-affiliated MESSA plan
… of their health care costs.
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See also:
MEA Ignores Reality In Complaints About Health Care … School District to Drop Union-Connected Health Plan
MEA President Repeats 'Disingenuous' Claim About Teacher Pay
MEA's Underpaid Teacher Claims Don't Fit With The Facts … more
Recall Retaliation? Senate Pushes Charter School Cap Repeal & 'Union-Unfriendly' Reforms
Analyst: By bankrolling recalls, MEA union bosses 'may have brought a knife to a gunfight'
…
McHugh speculated that the far-reaching reforms may be blow-back for the MEA teachers union’s bankrolling of recall campaigns against a number of Republican … reforms favored by the House — has decided to come after the recall-happy MEA,” McHugh said in an email. “Assuming the bills don’t get substantially watered … more
MEA Lauches Personal Attack Against Dissident Teacher, Releases Confidential Information
Mary Davenport questioned union’s value in widely distributed letter
… employer-employee relations suggest the MEA is violating the law by enforcing … also did not expect that the MEA's response to her letter would … attorney-client privilege. The MEA published a memo on its website … resources, including amounts the MEA spent representing her in grievance … that the author of the memo, MEA President Steve Cook, is in … more
Teacher Upset She Can't Retire at 47
MEA member says reform bill calling for teachers to contribute minimally to retirement is unfair
… at least 5 percent of their compensation to their retirement plan.
The MEA reported on its website: "Saginaw Township teacher Terry (sic) List had hoped … District Claiming Cuts
Helpful Facts About Michigan's Public Sector
MEA's Underpaid Teacher Claims Don't Fit With The Facts
Are Teachers With Master's … more
Teacher Pension Poverty Claim Warrants Scrutiny
MEA article said teacher pensions forced retirees to live 'barely' above poverty level
… hearing. When it was pointed out in a later email that the comments were in the MEA article, Olson didn’t respond.
Another fiscal policy expert says the MPSERS … District Claiming Cuts
Helpful Facts About Michigan's Public Sector
MEA's Underpaid Teacher Claims Don't Fit With The Facts
Are Teachers With Master's … more
Whitmer calls for using the public school system to fix the learning loss it caused
The MEA endorses governor’s plan to use a broken system to recover students from academic, mental health losses
… spending on school-provided tutoring and other activities.
In a post on the MEA’s website, Herbart blames everything except the public school system for student … vouchers for academic interventions, including tutoring. Whitmer and the MEA denounced the solution. Whitmer vetoed the bill.
Herbart called the idea … more
MEA Ordered to Stop Violating School Employees’ Right-to-Work Law Rights
… unfair labor practice. The MEA, which exercised the restriction … August window is an internal MEA rule that only allows school … commission also ordered the MEA to cease and desist from enforcing its rule. It also said the MEA must either strike the rule … commission announced its ruling, the MEA posted the following on its … more
MEA President Inflating Public Pension with $200K Salary While Working for Private Union
Lansing School District keeps Steve Cook in public employee pension system
… benefits based on his $201,613 MEA salary, setting Cook up for … district, Cook works for the MEA and has no job responsibilities … to substitute his $201,613 MEA salary for pension calculations … based on Cook's six-figure MEA salary has been in place for … secretary-treasurer of the MEA in 1991.
It is unclear how … more
Michigan Education Association Losing Members, Increasing Debt
Union named one of five most ‘financially precarious’
… Intelligence Agency, notes that the MEA is shedding members and facing … predate the law by many years.
MEA lost 6.7 percent of its active … post-retirement health care. MEA’s net assets are an astonishing … affiliate closer to disaster.
The MEA has been bleeding membership … 94,559
2016: 90,609
The MEA operates a defined benefit pension … more
MEA Executive Salaries 'Not Based on Merit'
But critics say the union is not being consistent
… leaders differently.
“If the MEA is attempting to attract a high-quality … affairs for the union, says that MEA executives are paid democratically … seniority.
“Each year at MEA’s Spring Representative Assembly, democratically-elected MEA members vote to approve MEA’s budget – this includes the … more
Commentary: Stop Forcing Michigan Taxpayers To Pay for Government Union Stewards
MEA, other union leaders being paid to perform union business on taxpayers' dime costs millions
MEA Opposes Privatization In Schools But Practices It
Apparently it’s OK for taxpayers to pay more for noncore services but not the union
… headquarters in East Lansing, the MEA contracts with private firms …
According to an annual report the MEA files with the federal government, … that cost around $16,000. The MEA could have hired three custodians … services in the 2016-17 year.
The MEA didn’t respond to an email seeking … apparently are watching what the MEA does, not what it says. A majority … more
Michigan Union Still Pursuing Dues From Teachers Five Years After Right-To-Work
But under new U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the union may also be messing with their constitutional rights
… school year. A March email from the MEA confirms that Fernhout left the union … said in an emailed statement. “The MEA wants to act as if right-to-work were … if the teachers don’t give in, the MEA is willing to make their lives much more difficult.”
MEA Director of Public Affairs Doug Pratt … more
Teachers’ Window of Opportunity Is Now Open
… August. That’s because the MEA says August is the only month … expensive as full union dues.
The MEA has characterized teachers who … that teachers who leave the MEA are doing so in order to freeload … insulting. A large number of MEA members disagree with the union’s … resources to support Democrats. The MEA adheres to the same political … more
MEA, Recalls and the ‘Grassroots’: Who is the Tail and Who is the Dog?
Union boss claims limited involvement in recalls, but union magazine tells another story
… Republican politicians. But MEA President Steve Cook’s words … organization's own magazine, the MEA Voice, which put MEA members working on recall petitions … cover and has a letter from the MEA leaders urging help in recalling … listed among three other top MEA officials as authors of the … more
Teachers Union Opposed State Pension Reforms, Now Doing Same
Retired employees call union's changes ‘disaster,’ ‘radical,’ ‘extreme’
… largest teachers union. The MEA’s costs for providing health … employees paying dues to the MEA has steadily declined since … report, called the LM-2, that the MEA files with the U.S. Department … to $81.6 million.
But the MEA has also promised to give its … $134.5 million.
This summer the MEA management decided it had to … more
Your Dues; His 44 Percent Raise
… for Public Policy. While trying to explain how MEA dues are used, Trainor said about the Mackinac Center, … Trainor got the nearly $50,000 raise even though the MEA’s net worth went into the red by another $20 million … and is negative $134.8 million according to the MEA's LM-2 report. more
Warren Board Member: "MEA Will Eat Their Young"
… said he received $500 from the MEA in his first campaign for the board.
The MEA turned against him in his reelection … Media reports indicate that his MEA-supported opponent raised ten … schools," Wagner said. "The MEA will eat their young. They will … to keep our jobs.' But the MEA's mantra is 'no'."
"Eventually, … more
Teachers Union Head Gets Annual $92,000 Pension Bonus, Courtesy of Taxpayers
Scheme let top union officials get school pensions based on six-figure union salaries
If former MEA President Steve Cook had stayed in his job as … allowed to use his six-figure MEA salary in the public school pension calculations. The MEA reimbursed the school district … of Retirement Services.
The MEA also operates a pension system … The deals were made by the MEA and the public school districts … more
Union Proposes Trimming Retiree Health Benefits to Save Money; Opposed It When Taxpayers Were Footing the Bill
Michigan Education Association asking its retirees to pay more and get less
… and Legislature,” said the MEA’s public affairs director, Doug … story. And since then, the MEA has supported proposals to remove … aren't happy about it.”
The MEA has witnessed liabilities pile … retiree health care liabilities.
MEA spokesman Doug Pratt said the … like many health plans, the MEA's is seeing higher medical and … more
MEA's Hyperbole About Cyber Charter Schools
… public school students in Michigan. The MEA ignores the fact that the bill limits … schools.
It’s interesting that the MEA is so concerned about an educational … another clear stand-off between the MEA and its public school special interest … allies against Michigan families. The MEA and the rest would like us to believe … more
MEA Upset at Having to Follow State Law
… the right to choose.
But the MEA is also upset at the Mackinac … performance.
Who, exactly, are MEA officials representing when … backgrounds.
Who, exactly, are MEA officials representing when … teachers of their rights, the MEA wrote:
If [the Mackinac Center …
High-performing teachers should ask the MEA the same question. Seniority … more
School Board Member Also MEA Union Official
‘This is 100% character assassination’: response to questions about conflict of interest
… Chippewa Valley school board.
The MEA describes its regional Uniservs … school employees are members of MEA Local 1, which is also Pyden's … it.
That Pyden works for the MEA as a representative for a region … not Chippewa Valley).
The MEA’s latest annual report to the … of the contract between an MEA affiliate, the Chippewa Valley … more
For Union, Math Is Hard
The MEA says on its Facebook page that Armada Area Schools is “dealing with budget cuts.”
Actually, the district has been receiving more state dollars for fewer students over the past three years. In 2010-11, Armada Area Schools received $13.5 million in state dollars for 2,038 students, according … more
Education Union Should Be Voice For Pension Reform
School employees deserve more than political promises
In the pages of its MEA Voice publication the Michigan Education Association … will cost have come up short.
The MEA has make one small nod to problematic … only once in the past 30 years.
The MEA could have argued to stop the pension … retirement. Now that is something the MEA ought to support. more
Michigan Education Association is down 37,000 members in a decade
Teachers union has dropped to under 80,000 members
… employees union in the state. Slotkin said that the MEA “represents nearly 120,000 hardworking teachers, … membership. Now that school employees have a choice, MEA membership has plummeted. Since 2012, the number of active MEA members has dropped from 117,265 down to 79,839. … more
Truth Optional When Teachers Union Defends Its Turf
Union goes to lengths to protect its piece of public education pie
… budgets. In a 2013 Facebook post, MEA President Steve Cook wrote, … were persuaded,” he said.
The MEA hasn’t responded to repeated …
Getting to the bottom of some MEA claims has required submitting … recent examples:
In 2016, the MEA claimed this about a teacher … school year was $34,000.
The MEA has repeatedly claimed that … more
Higher Education Spending Still Down After Michigan's 'Lost Decade,' But Rising
Union overshoots with claim of 30 percent decline
… Michigan Education Association's online magazine Voice, the union makes another claim about taxpayer support for education that doesn’t hold true.
The MEA wrote a number, 30 percent, followed by this statement: “Percentage decline in Michigan’s higher education funding since 2002 ..."
ForTheRecord says: … more
School Funding Goes Up ... MEA Wants More
… union has even produced television and radio ads claiming teachers are treated like "punching bags" by the Legislature, but as this video shows, the MEA's claims do not meet muster when it comes to a basic fact-check.
Mike Van Beek, director of education policy, also explores common myths about public … more
District Official Confirms That MEA Salary Claims Not Supported
Even with temporary pay cut, no Tecumseh teacher earns $31K, official says
… official.
And they're not supported by a state website's claim, either.
MEA President Steven Cook has made that claim twice in Detroit News columns. … Michigan is $63,024, according to the Michigan Department of Education.
The MEA's Cook said on March 28 in a Detroit News column that there was a teacher … more
'MEA Republicans' Grind Down Tea Party Reformers
… who had been endorsed by the MEA teachers union blocking a fairly … union. Not to mention the MEA's own platoons of savvy lobbyists. … candidates endorsed by the MEA in last year's election, as … the political power of the MEA school employee union, and more … is told.
~~~~~
See also:
MEA Republicans
Teacher Union Doubles … more
Union Fighting For $10K Severance For Teacher Who Pleaded Guilty to Molesting a Student
… defending their son.
This isn't the first time the MEA has defended teachers who have been involved with significant crimes. In one extreme case, the MEA took up the case of an Ann Arbor gym teacher who … of the six said he exposed himself to them. The MEA challenged his firing.
In 1984, while the case … more
MEA's Underpaid Teacher Claims Don't Fit With The Facts
Union says average second-year teacher with a master's degree makes less than $12,000 a year after deductions
… the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
It started when Steve Cook, the MEA’s president, said in a Detroit News op-ed that one teacher who contacted him … year.
However, in an interview with another newspaper, Doug Pratt, the MEA's spokesman, took what Cook described as the salary of one teacher and turned … more
Dues-Paying Membership In Teachers Union Has Collapsed Since Right-To-Work
MEA's persuasion and manipulative contract extensions not enough to keep teachers paying
… out to members about what the MEA could do for them.
Not mentioned … districts cooperated with the MEA to extend their teacher contracts … effective.
Six years later, the MEA’s active, dues-paying membership … know what to expect,” the MEA’s Doug Pratt told the Detroit … on that? Sure we have.”
The MEA just released its own annual … more
University Staff Breaks Away From Michigan Education Association
Grand Valley State University vote means union loses another bargaining unit
… Staff. Twenty-four voted to stay with the MEA, while 7 chose "neither."
"We have come a long way with the MEA," said Alliance spokesperson … spoke for themselves."
The MEA represented one of three bargaining … that their unit has paid the MEA more than $1 million.
Bedford … hearings late last year about the MEA's practice of only allowing its … more
MEA Wounds Governor’s School Pension Reform
… pay health care costs incurred by retirees. This was a clever move by the MEA, and here's why:
Practically no money has been set aside for those retiree … benefits that taxpayers may be able to escape.
Is it fair to blame the MEA for all the above? In a MIRS news report Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, … more
MEA Has $174.5 Million in Liabilities, $66.3 Million in Dues
… staffer’s pension liabilities.
The MEA has $174.5 million in retirement … Agency also reports that the MEA lost 3,000 members in 2009.
“These fiscal problems for the MEA can’t be solely pinned on poor … The great irony about the MEA’s struggle to manage their own …
This isn’t the first time the MEA has faced a financial crisis, … more
BREAKING NEWS: Roscommon Teachers Vote to Decertify From MEA
… the courage to stand up to MEA/NEA and its bureaucratic machine," … not anti-union, we are anti-MEA. There were many services that were provided by the MEA that we could do ourselves, … their affiliation with the MEA.
"This is a big success story … Lansing to pay the salaries of MEA officials."
Doug Pratt, MEA … more
Court of Claims Tosses MEA's Right-to-Work Lawsuit
State Capitol was closed when union protesters pushed past guards, impeded medical workers
… coverage.” The ruling also stated that the right-to-work bill was not passed while the Capitol building was closed.
“It is amazing what Steve Cook of the MEA and the other labor unions tried to do,” said Derk Wilcox, an attorney for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. “What the court found was that the … more
Union Sloppiness Costs Teacher Thousands in Lost Pay, Blames Mythical ‘Funding Cuts’
Union fails to enforce its own contract; teacher loses out
… union said that Smith had an “untenable financial situation” after 16 years of teaching and still lived in “cramped one-bedroom duplex” with his sons.
MEA President Steve Cook also used Smith in an op-ed in The Detroit News as an example of poor pay for teachers as well as an inaccurate claim that state … more
Teaching 'Hard' - Yes, 'Underappreciated' - Maybe, but 'Underpaid' a Stretch
A solid career choice for those who can
The state’s largest teachers union has a longstanding newsletter called The MEA Voice, whose new editor, Brenda Ortega, was recently a public schoolteacher. Ortega wrote a column for the April issue of the publication describing the feelings she had when her daughter said she was thinking about being … more
MEA Deletes 'Satanic Snyder' Photo from Union Facebook Page
…
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy alerted the MEA Tuesday morning of the photo on their page and it … taken down. The photo was posted on March 11.
MEA spokesman Doug Pratt said they investigated the post and found it was an MEA Facebook “fan” who had no affiliation with the teachers’ … more
School Employees Dump Michigan Education Association in Droves
… contribute to the union, the MEA has experienced a collapse in … are from a federal report the MEA is required to file — called … they compare the state of the MEA the year before the law went … period, 2,750 people left. The MEA’s total membership decline is …
That money was needed. The MEA’s liabilities have gone up by … more
Unions are the Freeloaders
Forced dues spent on politics, benefits for union staff
… but here's the biggest: The MEA, like many unions, spends very … members.
According to the MEA's most recent LM-2 filing, which details the union's finances, the MEA spends only 11 percent of its …
While only $4.8 million of MEA spending went directly to politics … nearly $134 million spent by the MEA in the 2011-12 fiscal year. … more
Michigan Teachers Contribute to Six-Figure Salaries at the NEA
First of two parts
… Michigan was $62,530 in 2012-13. MEA dues are set at 1.5 percent … union that separated from the MEA in 2012. "They just assume that … of Largest Political Donors
MEA Spends More On Salaries, Benefits Than Member Representation
MEA Agency Fees Far Exceed Cost of Contract Negotiations
MEA Executive Salaries 'Not Based … more
Court Rules School Districts Cannot Use Public Resources to Withhold Union Dues
School unions now responsible for collecting dues from their own members
… president whose teachers left the MEA to start a local union.
"They … which decertified from the MEA last year. "Most union members … the nation late last year, MEA President Steve Cook sent a … showed several ways that the MEA was considering collecting union … make it more difficult for the MEA to retain members, said Mike … more
MEA Concedes Large Percentage of 'Conservative' Teachers, Endorses 97% Democrats
Michigan Teacher Union Concedes Large Percentage of 'Conservative' Teachers, But Political Recommendations Skew 97% to Democrats
… themselves as conservative. The MEA represents more than 157,000 …
Yet, in the same magazine, the MEA released its recommendations … not be a partisan issue."
MEA President Iris Salters said … R-Rochester Hills, who the MEA has not endorsed, said it was "clear the MEA is very partisan."
"Most Democrats … more
MEA Concedes Large Percentage of ‘Conservative’ Teachers, Endorses 97% Democrats
… themselves as conservative. The MEA represents more than 157,000 teachers, …
Yet, in the same magazine, the MEA released its recommendations … not be a partisan issue.”
MEA President Iris Salters said … R-Rochester Hills, who the MEA has not endorsed, said it was “clear the MEA is very partisan.”
“Most Democrats … more
MEA Gives False Explanation to Members About Why Executive Salaries Rose
… reporting ‘huge’ pay increases for MEA Executives. As some of you know, … lists every person to whom MEA has written a check to over … federal Department of Labor the MEA is incorrect.
As reported previously … U.S. Department of Labor.”
MEA president Steve Cook’s response … reimbursements mentioned in the MEA's letter would fall under categories … more
Anti-School Choice Education Rally Fizzles
Low turnout despite clear skies and summer vacation for teachers
Detroit Teachers' Pay Frozen, But Union Officials Get Big Raises
AFT-Michigan president up to $181,996
Overselling Whitmer’s Education Budget
Increase in line with years past, not 'game-changing' and 'historic'
'They Are A Bureaucratic Machine That Got Out of Control'
Roscommon teachers bolt from the Michigan Education Association
… new teachers' union.
The MEA’s executive salaries, which are among … same basic services that the MEA provided and for less than half … facing a dues increase from the MEA this year that would have increased … teachers frustrations with the MEA. "They got too greedy. They … 42-22 to decertify from the MEA. The new union will be called … more
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