Lines of Communication
By Richard Sherry, Communications Committee Chair
In this issue we try to keep you informed about several of your Association's activities. Many teachers believe that our 4-year Collective Agreement has put our Local into some kind of stasis, with nothing going on. But this could not be further from the truth.
There's never an end to the work done by your colleagues who volunteer for your ATA Association, Local #38. Issues in education, like provincial bargaining, need to be explored. The impact and potential ramifications of the ATRF unfunded liability need to be explained. Professional development, retirement seminars, and book studies need to organized.
Activity abounds on your behalf. The recent "Super-meeting," attended by dozens of ATA volunteers, worked on a project which is mapping out the vision of how your Association, Local #38, will meet your needs in the future. December's CSR meeting discussed and voted on an ARA Electoral Ballot that was all about Local accountability. Dry? Maybe to some, but once again, it's all about how your Local operates.
Provincial ATA President Frank Bruseker spoke to the Standing Policy Committee (SPC) on Education and Employment at the provincial legislature. He was warning against adopting the failed bargaining model proposed by the Alberta School Board Association, which is similar to the one used in British Columbia. I've heard it said that you can't prove a negative. Well, if we don't adopt that model we seem sure to avoid the troubles that have plagued the system there. Trying to avoid those troubles is another example of the Association working on behalf of its members.
Your Association is you. Without the participation, big or small, of Calgary Public teachers there is no functioning organisation. A strong Association, comprised of active and informed members, safeguards your interests. And, as you know, your interests are tightly intertwined with what's best for the kids you teach.
As we head for the holidays, our New Year's resolutions are being formed. I would invite you to say a thank you to your CSR Rep and any ATA Committee members on your staff. And maybe you'd even consider a contribution of time to your Association by writing an article or joining a committee.
Happy holidays, and a happy New Year too!
Have a comment about this article? Want to write a letter to the editor or maybe an article yourself? Contact ataglance@ata38.ab.ca to find out more.
© December 2005, ATA Local #38 Calgary Public Teachers
