We the undersigned call for a private-ballot strike authorization vote where teachers may freely vote their conscience without fear of reprisal. "Voting" in petition format is voter intimidation and allows our union leadership to view our vote and subsequently respond.
Why is this important?
Many of us teachers, myself included, intended to vote "yes" on a strike authorization this September. Many of us are disheartened by what we perceive to be the union pressuring us to vote in accordance with their political aims. Unions should by their very nature be democratic, and their methodology leaves a bad taste in our mouths.
