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Flint teachers union holds illegal teacher strike

‘Unexpected closure’ as 119 teachers call in sick, district says

… includes teachers. Flint Community Schools broke the news to parents: All school buildings will be closed today due to 119 United Teachers of Flint, MEA/NEA employees calling in sick today. ... The district certainly does not appreciate how this unexpected school closure will impact our families. While … more

Membership plunges again for Michigan and national teachers unions

The Janus effect is still going strong

… than they were in 2020. The state affiliate, the MEA, has also continued to see a decline. The MEA is down to 78,817 members – a loss of more than … employees got a choice in union membership, the MEA’s total revenue has declined by nearly $40 million … more

MEA head boasts of membership growth, but numbers tell a different story

Among non-retirees, MEA membership is declining

… But a federal filing at the end of the month told a different story. The MEA currently has 78,817 non-retired/non-trainee members. It had 79,837 such … enrollment dropped from 1,645,742 students in 2008 to 1,437,279 this year. The MEA had 117,265 members in 2012. Membership fell to 78,475 by 2020. The union … 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

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

Mackinac Center awarded $77K for reporting that MEA improperly took COVID-19 relief money

MEA and MESSA improperly took $12.5 million in COVID relief money through Paycheck Protection Program

… Mackinac Center’s favor. The MEA and its affiliate must pay $200,000 … 501(c)(5) nonprofits like the MEA or 501(c)(9) nonprofits like … anyway. In April 2020, the MEA and MESSA both applied for PPP funding. The MEA received $6.4 million while … its action because when the MEA and MESSA took the funds, that … more

Why a Michigan paraprofessional left his union

Since 2012, membership ranks of support staff in the Michigan Education Association have shrank 56%

… local support personnel chapter of the MEA. Williams says the employees successfully … contract, without help from the state MEA. Williams says he and some of his peers feel the MEA does not prioritize them because they … again left the union in fall 2022. The MEA had 33,234 education support personnel … 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

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

Teachers union spends $1M on Michigan governor’s race

Teachers unions dish out cash for Whitmer and school board candidates; media is critical of conservatives who do the same

… child’s education. Yet the MEA, along with its parent organization, … million in Whitmer’s favor. The MEA is also endorsing nearly 200 … board elections. The NEA and MEA are supporting candidates who … McAuliffe.” Paula J. Herbart, MEA president, did not respond to … the 2020-21 reporting cycle. MEA’s total spending for 2022 is … more

MEA, schools preach diversity and inclusion, but treat dissenters with scorn

Are parents bullies, or are they the bullied, on the school board meeting playground?

… and schools.” Sound familiar? The MEA admits that parents who voice concerns … and have a discussion with them. The MEA could try to come to an understanding … — are targeted, and not only by the MEA. Media outlets have picked up the … are teaching. In its newsletter, the MEA talked of “organized right-wing attacks … more

Michigan teachers union makes fake claim of attacks by parents

Seeking to silence school board opponents, Michigan Education Association joins national effort to demonize dissent

… grown to nearly 100,000 members. The MEA applauds union members who vow to “push … Republicans, according to OpenSecrets.org. The MEA is endorsing and financially contributing … of sexual acts. She notes that the MEA has lost thousands of members in recent … all are treated with respect. The MEA did not respond to a request for co … more

Rochester school district under fire over transparency

Teachers union tried to interfere with FOIA responses

… number one." The Michigan Education Association was listed as the contact for the local teachers union. Doug Pratt, director of public affairs for the MEA, did not respond to a request for comment. The district recently settled a claim with a parent who claimed that Deputy Superintendent Debra Fragomeni … more

Public Schools’ New Critical Race Theory Window Dressing: Social-Emotional Learning

Michigan Department of Education is on board

… were taking a stand to support SEL against unwarranted attacks,” said Laura Moore, a parent of students at Hartland Consolidated Schools, said in the MEA story. “We wanted the board and the public to know that SEL allows us to support our students, and we’re literally and figuratively willing to take … more

Teachers Unions Called For Closing Classrooms; Students Now Facing Mental Health Challenges

Each of Michigan’s big education unions opposed in-classroom instruction

… Education Association, an arm of the nation’s largest teachers union. The MEA released a member survey in November 2020, which found its teachers also did not want to be in classrooms during the pandemic. MEA Executive Director Paula Herbart called for classrooms to be shuttered until … more

Former Teachers Union Heads, Staff, Parlayed Big MEA Paychecks Into Jumbo Public Pensions

Ex-MEA presidents get state-constitution guaranteed six-figure pensions

… could also use the six-figure MEA salary to generate a higher … the amount they collect in an MEA union salary toward getting … union. Maddox was succeeded as MEA president by Lu Battaglieri … election. Many current and past MEA employees and officials have … have had otherwise. Former MEA President Iris Salters is collecting … more

Teacher Claimed Right-To-Work Would Make Workers Powerless, But He’s Getting 42% More Since 2014

… Talberg belongs has plummeted 33%. The Michigan Education Association has lost some 40,000 members since the new law went into effect in 2013. The MEA’s statewide membership ranks include teachers, education support staffers and some higher education employees. more

Top 10 From CapCon In ‘21: What Made You Look This Year

… and customers to wear face masks. No. 4 Date: Oct. 1, 2021 Headline: “’All White People Are Invested In And Collude With Racism,’ Says Author of MEA Book Club Selection” The Michigan Education Association’s Center for Leadership & Learning Book Studies currently lists three book recommendations … more

Big US Teacher Union Decline Since Supreme Court Ended Government Employee Union Dues Mandates

National Education Association and its Michigan affiliate are losing members

… 2020-21 school year. The MEA’s membership includes teachers, … country. Membership in the MEA has been declining since Michigan … has remained steady. The MEA’s annual revenue dropped by $30 … members. Employees who opt for MEA membership are required to become … additional $189 per year. The MEA’s spending has decreased by $19 … 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

To Teachers Union, Public Schools Are Part Of America’s ‘Systems Of Oppression’

A policy shift from promoting equal opportunity to preferred outcomes

… rich learning. Your honesty and humility will help your students open up." In Michigan, 65% of the public school students were white in 2020-21. The MEA did not respond to a request for comment. more

Traverse City News Outlet Reports ‘Teacher Shortage’ With Debunked Myth, Bad Data, Biased Sources

Story’s title, conclusions and sources all misleading and demonstrably wrong

… was only identified as a teacher in the Carman-Ainsworth school district. The story failed to mention that is also president of the district’s local MEA union and was a nominee to the 2020 Democratic National Convention. more

Union Official Told Teachers Aides They’d All Get 5% Pay Hikes — They Won’t

Actual increases in St. Clair County district range from 2% to 5.1%

… a chat message where Pyden said there was a 5% increase between every step. Neither Pyden nor Kevin Marvin, a zone field services director at the MEA, responded to request for comment. A copy of the actual pay scale confirms that raises were not 5% for every step. Michigan law prevents anyone from … more

Media Group Gets Teacher Data From Union, Not State, Publishes Different Numbers

… Michigan. The MLive story stated, “According to data collected by the teachers union, there are currently 86,145 public school teachers in Michigan, [MEA spokesman David] Crim said.” The Michigan Education Association’s headcount number is well below the number provided in state Department of Education … more

Union Complains About New Teachers’ Low Pay - In Contracts It Negotiated

It’s a trade-off: Pay starts low and rises quickly as seniority builds

… that unions, including her own, negotiate what teachers are paid. Because MEA contracts base the salaries of public school teachers on two criteria – years … long. Erika Bushey is a Lansing School District teacher who appeared in a MEA video and talked about the difficulties of retaining teachers. “Unfortunately, … 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

Report in Medical Journal: For K-5, 'Little Reason To Believe Virtual Learning' Effective

Report finds teachers union’s preferred COVID response will shorten children’s lives

… while the country awaits a vaccine.” But Michigan’s largest teachers union continues to press for keeping schools closed. “Safety must come first,” MEA President Paula Herbart wrote in a Nov. 18 op-ed. “That means pausing in-person learning at all levels while cases are skyrocketing, and delaying decisions … more

In the ‘Birthplace of Organized Labor,’ Union Membership Plummets

Since Michigan's right-to-work law was adopted organized labor struggles to retain dues-paying members

… government employee union in the state, has lost 33% of its members. Dues revenue is down 21% (the union hiked dues on its members a few years ago). The MEA has managed to stabilize finances, partially by stripping benefits from its own former employees. Overall, union membership among state employees is … more

Union Settles Suit, Will Stop Harassing Teacher For Dues She Doesn't Owe

… to Work Legal Defense Foundation announced a settlement on July 17. The MEA had sued Deborah Wolter in January 2020 over its claim that she owed more … resigned her membership in August of 2014. According to the settlement, the MEA will no longer demand payment for past dues and would update its records … more

Charter School Profiteering? Don’t Turn That Lens On Larger, Richer District Schools

The really big money is in conventional school districts and all their intermediaries

… school system. The three previous MEA presidents were former school employees … allowed them to use their six-figure MEA salaries when calculating their public … school employee pension system. Former MEA president Steven Cook received a pension … $109,420 last year. His predecessor as MEA president, Iris Salters, received an … more

Pay Hikes Fewer But Still Happening At Fiscally Stressed Michigan School District

Falling enrollment and rising pension expenses mean cramped raises at Wayne-Westland

… by actual school salary figures released by the state of Michigan. The MEA wrote: “What he’s observed in Wayne-Westland over the last dozen or so years … careers, or they left for other districts that were paying more.’” The MEA article didn’t mention that this particular school district fits the profile … more

Do Teachers Buy Classroom Supplies? Districts Say ‘We Do’ And Have Receipts

Grand Rapids Schools Issues Over 170 Cards Employees May Use for Purchases

… social media post shared by the local Grand Rapids teachers union was of a MEA survey that showed educators “spend hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket every … the local union posted on Facebook, “How long?” and linked to story on the MEA state teachers union website that said, “Despite declining pay and benefits … more

Unions Praise Governor’s Modest School Funding Hike, Rebuked GOP Predecessor’s Much Larger One

5.1% GOP increase got union ‘tsk tsks,’ a 2.3% Dem hike applauded

… predecessor, which expired last Sept. 30. The MEA wrote on its website, “For too long, … to do more with less.” On Jan. 30, MEA President Paula Herbart said on the … adequately address those short falls.” The MEA was similarly begrudging in its praise. … union wrote on Feb. 9, 2017. “While MEA welcomes the governor’s commitment … more

These Teachers Earning More Under ‘Right To Work For Less’

Their union is getting less, though

… law in Michigan, 120,616 school employees were paying dues or fees to that teachers union. By 2018, this number had fallen 29.6% to 84,872. Annual MEA revenue declined from $145.4 million in 2011 to $113.3 million in 2018, according to disclosures required under federal law. more

‘It’s Not Getting Better Here': Teacher On Life After Right-To-Work

But his pay is up $9,300 over five years

… salary includes extra pay for performing additional duties such as coaching a school sports team. Connell's total salary for 2018-19 was $67,888. The MEA article also featured Ann Arbor Public Schools teacher Tierra Jackson, who is also active in her local union. Jackson, who has been employed for eight … 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

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

Teachers Union HQ Contracted Out For Janitors, Opposes Same For Schools

Half of all Michigan school districts outsource custodial services

… saving money this way, the MEA continues to contract out its … the federal government, the MEA paid $57,588 to four private … custodial costs. In July 2018, the MEA website posted a story about … Custodian Steve Croschere, the MEA wrote, had fought off challenges … more bang for the buck,” the MEA wrote. However, Croschere’s … more

Teachers Spin Low Pay Horror Stories, But Actual Figures Are Public Records

Claims mislead public on important public policy issue

… of the Fisher Bldg, etc...Detroit is still the largest District in this State. Any action will need ALL Michigan educators-especially those in DPS. MEA and AFT need to listen to it’s membership!!! I resigned last Thursday from DPSCD as the demands, lack of pay, NO preps, depleted sub pool due to over … more

Despite Bluster And Bullying, 32,208 Left Teachers Union Since Right-To-Work

MEA suffered another legal embarrassment this month

… optimistic view about the MEA’s prospects. Steve Cook, then the MEA president, said he would not … to do. Six years later, the MEA has had to settle a lawsuit … who have withdrawn from the MEA since Michigan’s right-to-work … Defense Foundation, requires the MEA to cease its demands and expunge … 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

Teachers Union Not Really Against Student Learning And Better Teachers, Right?

Look beyond the label on resolutions defeated at NEA’s annual meeting

… Association. Perialas heads the Roscommon Teachers Association at Roscommon Area Public Schools, which was started when teachers there decided to leave the MEA and NEA in 2012. Perialas said he doesn’t have direct knowledge of why the NEA would vote down resolutions on improving students and teachers, but … 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

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

Union Negotiates Pay Cap, Highlights Capped Teacher’s Complaints

Imposing assembly line pay systems on skilled professionals has its price

… health insurance benefits. The article in the MEA Voice did not mention that Horan’s pay was $76,746 … districts that have the same system, it was the MEA that negotiated a contract that freezes the pay … Horodyski a salary increase for five years. The MEA didn’t respond to an email seeking comment. more

He Supported Restricting Teachers’ Right To Leave Union, Now Asks DeVos Why Others Help Them Leave

New Jersey politician who sponsored restrictive law upset that Mackinac Center contacted teachers

… the month of August, when most teachers are on summer break. The state labor commission and the Michigan Court of Appeals, however, ruled that the MEA’s opt-out window was illegal. The Michigan Supreme Court refused to hear the union’s appeal. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation has filed a lawsuit … more

A Steady Decline for Unions Under Michigan’s Right-to-Work Law

The birthplace of the modern labor movement finds workers increasingly opting out

… of right-to-work, saying that school employees highly value the work the MEA does. But the reality is that 32,000 teachers and other school employees have opted out of buying what the MEA is selling, resulting in a drop of 28 percent. The American Federation of … more

Michigan Teachers Union Suffers Important Court Defeat

State Court of Appeals says right-to-work law means what it says on compulsory union dues and fees

… was still forced to pay the union. Robinson said he feared he’d have his credit destroyed by the union’s collection agency if he didn’t pay. “The MEA paid its collection agency over $152,500 last year,” Robinson said in a statement. “How many teachers’ credit scores have they destroyed?” The appeals … more

Even After Right-to-Work, Unions Still Big Political Spenders in Michigan

… of $67,500 to the Michigan Democratic Party, $20,000 to the Michigan Senate Democratic Fund and $20,000 to the Michigan House Democratic Fund. The MEA contributed to state Senate campaigns, state House campaigns, local elections, school board elections, state board of regent races and judicial elections. … more

Even After Right-to-Work, Unions Still Big Political Spenders in Michigan

Organized labor gave millions to Democratic candidates and groups in 2018

… was $50,000 to the Michigan Democratic Party, $20,000 to the Michigan Senate Democratic Fund and $20,000 to the Michigan House Democratic Fund. The MEA contributed to state senate campaigns, state representative campaigns, local elections, school board elections, state board of regent races and judicial … 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

Unionizing Charter Schools Goes Nowhere In Michigan

The failure may explain why Democrats oppose charters

… employees by the state’s two main teachers unions, the MEA and AFT. Even in the labor-friendly precincts of … represented by unions in 2016-17, the report found. MEA and AFT officials have suggested that the low number … are represented by unions. Representatives of the MEA and AFT Michigan did not respond to requests for … more

32,000 Flee Teachers Union Under Michigan Right-To-Work Law

Former member blames Michigan Education Association’s bullying tactics

… November. Membership in the MEA among teachers and education … 2012 to 84,872 in 2018. The MEA’s membership dropped 2,756 members … disclosures. In 2013, former MEA President Steve Cook appeared … PBS political roundtable; the MEA had reported losing just 1,500 … everybody’s worst fear.” The MEA didn’t respond to an email seeking … more

Legislature Tries To End Public Pension Spiking By Union Officials

An earlier reform ended six-figure payouts, but union officials still accrue regular school pensions

… earned over 25 years working full time for the MEA as an “educator on leave” from the Lansing School … allowed to use his $235,771 annual salary as the MEA president in the formula used to determine his state … than his district pay, which was lower. While the MEA reimbursed the Lansing School District for the basic … more

No More Compelled Dues, Strident Politics, A 22 Percent Union Decline

Michigan branch of teachers union sports a progressive politics Facebook page

… spend any money on politics or support political candidates. Perialas said that’s one reason why dues are $500 a year, or roughly half of what the MEA and National Education Association collects from its Michigan members. Perialas said the union tells teachers that they can donate to any candidate … more

American Federation of Teachers-Michigan Union Membership In Decline

Union has had a 22 percent decline in membership since right-to-work

… Association, which has seen its active membership drop from 117,265 in 2012 to 87,628 in 2017. That’s a decline of 29,637 members, or 25 percent. The MEA usually releases its LM-2 report at the end of November. more

Why Michigan’s Free-Market Policy Wonks Are Thankful

People are working, students are learning, pension funds are growing and more

… conservative, as did 63 percent of teachers between 40 to 49. Yet, unions like the MEA and the NEA have a long history of supporting leftist politics. For example, Doug Pratt, the MEA’s director of public affairs, serves on the board of the far-left organization … more

Teachers Union Could Face Millions In Clawback Payments To Workers

Federal class-action lawsuit contends compulsory fee payments violated government workers' free speech

… the plaintiffs prevail, the MEA could be ordered to return millions … they tried to stop paying the MEA after right-to-work went into … into effect. The women say the MEA kept demanding that they pay … court for not paying. The MEA contends that despite right-to-work, … Wright explained that, “What the MEA will argue in response is that … more

Teacher Politicizes Colleagues On Underfunding, Own School’s Funding Up

Look for the union narrative

… teacher prep programs in state universities, and other growing concerns,” the MEA article stated. McGuffey’s intends to recruit teachers willing to become … Michigan is underfunding public education by nearly $2,000 per student,” the MEA article stated. If McGuffey, who is an elementary school teacher, wants … more

Union Neglected School Custodians —Until It Sued Them For Back Dues

14-member unit says MEA was AWOL for them

… no representation from the MEA when they were supposed to be … up and become members of the MEA. But according to Lemerand, … virtually no representation from MEA staff during collective bargaining … while they were members of the MEA. A union contract reviewed by … signed by the unit as the MEA’s “Grosse Ile Custodial and Maintenance … more

Teachers Union Insurer Sells Coverage For Some Nonunion Staff, But Not These Two

‘They are making an example out of us’

… Sept. 30. Dobson, who was an MEA member for seven years, and Harma, who was an MEA member for 18 years, had both … had belonged to a separate MEA bargaining unit, which, the … Harma are bothered by the MEA’s claim their coverage was denied … Tim Keteri for his help. The MEA and its bargaining agent for … more

Union Sues Teacher For Exercising Her Right-To-Work Option

Michigan banned compulsory union fees in 2013, MEA still trying to collect them

… union. In April 2018, the MEA sued Digneit, claiming she owed … dues or fees. Even so, the MEA and other unions have used various … she sent two letters to the MEA in August 2015 expressing her … Foundation, which responded to the MEA’s lawsuit on behalf of Digneit, … right-to-work law and therefore, the MEA cannot collect union dues for … more

School Principal Faces Big Pay Cut If She Wins Seat In Legislature

From $120k plus benefits to around $83k

… me or because I’m looking to increase my salary or because I’m looking for anything other than the opportunity to serve and lead,” Kennedy told the MEA in its online magazine. It’s a good thing Kennedy isn’t going into politics for the money, because if she wins the seat, she will take a pay cut. (This … more

Union Doesn’t Always Support ‘Public Funds Only in Public Schools’

Not when its own officials are collecting those public funds

… Sometimes, it favors using public funds for a private organization — the MEA. When she took over as MEA president, Herbart became the latest in a line of union officials using the … 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

Michigan’s Credit Rating Upgraded, Agency Cites School Pension Reform

Teachers unions and public school establishment had claimed going to 401(k)s would hurt state

… Federation of Teachers-Michigan were among the groups opposed to the reforms. MEA Director of Public Affairs Doug Pratt said in Nov. 2016 that the reforms … June 2017, after the Legislature passed the pension reform bill package, MEA President Steve Cook said the legislation would be detrimental to “the fiscal … more

Charter School Critic Shocked At Groups Giving Teachers Information On Unions

Campaign tells teachers that union fees are now optional

… sent to the regular union headquarters address would not be accepted. The MEA also had set up the month of August as the only time a union member could … Relations Commission and the Michigan Court of Appeals both ruled that the MEA’s attempt to restrict opt-outs to August was illegal. “As many chapters of … more

Recipe For Food Stamps Teacher: Seven In Household, Low Seniority

It takes a rare combination of circumstances

… they’re on food stamps. Bridge Magazine reported: “After several days, the MEA connected Truth Squad with a teacher outside Kalamazoo who said her family … for food stamps, household size has to be a major factor. The person the MEA found to support its narrative illustrates why such cases are so improbable. … more

$107,400-A-Year Teacher Says Teachers Must Work Second Job To Support Families

Union says she drives for Uber on weekends

… Parkinson, who drives for Uber and Shipt on the weekends, according to the MEA. ForTheRecord says: Parkinson made $107,402 in the 2016-17 school year, according to the state of Michigan. The MEA story featured four other teachers who also complained that the state does … more

State Teachers Union on Privatization: Watch What They Do, Not Say

… ago to privatize noncore services. One of those services is something the MEA itself has contracted out for years: janitorial services. According to an annual report the MEA files with the federal government, the union spent $167,204 on janitorial … more

‘Guerilla Journalism’ Outfit Stings Michigan Teachers Unions A Second Time

Union official to faux-teacher’s shoving incident disclosure: ‘I don’t want you to get investigated’

… Association agent named Nick Nugent speaking about ways that school employees can get around mandatory reporting laws on student abuse. Nugent is a MEA bargaining agent in Oakland County (called “Uniserv Director”). In this case, a Project Veritas reporter posed as a teacher and union member who pushed … more

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

Teachers Union Here Eager To Align With Strikes; Higher Funding Makes It Tough

Watch for advocates cherry-picking benchmarks to paint misleading funding picture

… Association has tried for weeks to associate itself in some way with recent teacher strikes in Arizona, West Virginia and Oklahoma. The slogan the MEA is promoting with the demonstrations is “Value Students. Respect Educators. Fund Our Schools.” Advocates for higher public education spending often … more

A Look at Unions in Michigan, Five Years After Right-to-Work

Most of state’s largest unions have seen a collapse in members and political spending

… which is itself an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, have also lost members. The MEA, the second-largest union in Michigan, has lost 30,000 members – 25 percent … to 117,265 in 2012 and all the way down to about 87,000 today. (Note: The MEA counts retirees and students as membership; we only count full, dues-paying, … more

Despite Right-To-Work Laws, Unions Find Ways Make Workers Keep Paying

Michigan courts shut down one such tactic, but unions try others

… condition of holding a job. But from the start, unions have tried a number of schemes to make it more difficult for a worker to opt out of paying. The MEA’s August window requirement is the best known version, but unions are using others methods to blunt the effects of the law. For example, the Teamsters … more

Oklahoma Teachers Average $20,000 Less Than Michigan – And Are On Strike

But Michigan teacher pay varies as much as $36,000 by district

… — rising costs of living, higher education, healthcare and retirement.” Eira McDaniel, a former teacher at Niles Community Schools, posted on the MEA Facebook page: “average is too high for Michigan I retired after 30 years in my career with a Masters degree at 57500” Niles Community School is located … more

Four Years After Its Debunking, Union Still Promotes 'Snyder Cut Schools' Myth

This publication was the first to debunk by reporting actual state budget figures

… K-12 funding has since risen to $12.86 billion in the current school year. That’s a rise of more than $2 billion since Snyder first took office. The MEA didn’t respond to an email seeking comment. more

Getting Harder For Union To Spread Teacher Pay Disinformation

'Taxpayers have a right to know where government funds are going and to whom'

… out to be unfounded. But the MEA persisted. Union spokesman Doug … “We want you to know that MEA is aware of those FOIA requests … actually doing with the data," the MEA stated in an email. Ironically, … itself. For example, in 2016 the MEA wrote in its online magazine, … the right questions.” The MEA didn't respond to an email seeking … more

Financial Incompetence, Not State Penny-Pinching, Bedevils Pontiac Schools

Misuse of funds ‘was a deliberate, volitional act’

… experience in a generation: severe underfunding creating large deficits. …” The MEA has a history of spinning reality in the media into its own erroneous vision … dropped to 4,154 in 2016-17. The district had 7,046 students in 2008-09. The MEA didn't respond to an email seeking comment. more

Another Pension ‘Spike’ For Outgoing Teachers Union President

$4k added to the $92,000 annual lifetime boost he previously orchestrated

… benefited all top executives of the MEA, including the last three presidents … made for Cook and the other MEA officials years earlier allow … later paid by the union. The MEA just released an annual LM-2 … The raise came despite the MEA suffering numerous legislative … 25 years for the union. The MEA reimbursed the school district … more

Michigan’s Largest Teachers Union Has Lost 25 Percent of Its Members

MEA’s decline much greater than its ‘worst fears’ after right-to-work allowed teachers to leave

… became law in Michigan, the MEA has lost 27,609 dues-paying … Department, released this week. The MEA has experienced steep membership … right-to-work became law. MEA Spokesman Doug Pratt didn’t … email seeking comment. The MEA has 87,628 active members in … that the number of dues-paying MEA members would have fallen further … more

Michigan’s Largest Teachers Union Funds Leftist Activist Group

Michigan Education Association gave Progress Michigan $71,000 this year

… $67,000 from the National Education Association, the MEA’s national union home. Three of the six members … employee unions. They include Doug Pratt, the MEA’s public affairs director, Bob Allison, executive … school choice, which is a major issue with the MEA. "We're proud to have the support of teachers who … 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

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

State’s Largest Teachers Union Offloads Some Pension Obligations Onto Taxpayers

MEA’s own unfunded pension liabilities now stand at $130.3 million

… would probably be more if the MEA had not worked out a scheme … payouts when they retire. The MEA reimburses the school districts … unfunded liability in the MEA’s own retirement system suggests … underfunding. In its annual audit, the MEA said it provides a defined benefit … virtually all of its employees. The MEA also offers a 401(k)-type plan … more

Fraser Public Schools Explains Its Role In A Union Pension Spiking Scheme

Superintendent says the law allows it and legislators had the chance to end it but didn't

… Fraser School District and MEA/NEA Local 1, Ms. Herbart’s collective … seeking to serve as President, MEA/NEA Local 1, NEA or MEA officer (the MEA/NEA president, vice-president, … provision has existed within the MEA/NEA Local 1 contract with the … more

Sweet Deal: Another Teachers Union President's Pension On Taxpayers' Dime

Fraser Schools agrees to pension spiking arrangement with union official

… difference. Cook was able to substitute his six-figure MEA salary for the much lower public school salary he … not the salary she currently collects from the MEA. Her pension payouts will, though, get a boost from … not to. See Richards' full response here:  The MEA didn’t respond to an email seeking comment. “It’s … more

New ‘Labor Voices’ Column, Same Old Teachers Union Disinformation

The new MEA president spreads the same inaccuracies as the old MEA president

… Association’s new president, Paula Herbart: The MEA wrote: “In Utica, where teachers are working without … $7,214 per student this year, not $7,845. The MEA wrote: “Grand Rapids school employees questioned … are 294. That’s not “exponential growth.” The MEA wrote: “It [charter schools] also leads to stagnant … more

One In Four Michigan School District Teachers Chronically Absent

That’s twice the rate of charter school teachers

… president of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies, which advocates for charter schools, condemned Pratt’s statement. “Doug Pratt and the MEA should be ashamed of themselves for that unfounded, irresponsible allegation,” Quisenberry said. “Charter school teachers don’t need to be told when … 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

School Officials, Teachers Unions, Media All Complicit In Edu-Disinformation

The effect is to undermine recent reforms opposed by unions

… “Those changes appear to be working, so why change that?” Shibler told the MEA. But in 2010, before the first round of partial reform, Shibler’s district … experienced freezes, keeping teachers at the same step years in a row.” The MEA made a claim in its February newsletter about a teacher at the East China … 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

There You Go Again: Teachers Union Spins Misleading Food Stamp Claim

Average $60K teacher would need a household size of 10 to qualify

… in a June 21 opinion article that ran in The Detroit News. Cook and the MEA have used the specter of “teachers on food stamps” to mislead the public … with three dependents to qualify for food stamps under current rules. The MEA’s own research found that the average starting salary for a first-year teacher … more