Why UFT (AFT-NYC) won't fight back in the face of wisconsin-style attacks

[Hannah Bell]

I heard a superb analysis of why the UFT won't mobilize even in the face of Wisconsin like attacks from one very savvy participant. It goes like this:

In order to fight back UFT/Unity would have to mobilize membership. If they mobilize the membership the level of activity will rise to the point Unity control will be threatened. I chipped in with: The Prime Directive: maintain control. Not only for personal reasons of power and money. They have an ideology that works to motivate their actions.

If a serious Rank & File movement develops (as it did so quickly in Chicago) an enormous struggle will ensue over the very life of the union. I've said this before, but Unity/UFT/AFT would rather see the union go into massive decline than give up power. I mean, I've seen people scratch their heads over Randi's actions - "Why would she not fight when faced with a loss of so many members to charters?"

The answer: They prefer to rule a remnant of the union rather than see even a strong union in the hands of others- others which will always include some leftists whom the UFT hierarchy so despise and red bait all the time.

My fear is the upcoming generation of activists will underestimate the UFT/AFT leadership, which will fight dirty in every way possible while they (the upcoming generation) as social justice activists will be honest and open about what they do. I say, "Be careful out there. Be very careful!"

http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/

[ThomCat]

1. Maintaining control is pointless if you don't accomplish anything with it.

What's the point of being in control of a group that fails to achieve anything?

Damn it, those teachers deserve far better.

They have needed far better for quite some time.

They are long past due for better leadership that won't collaborate with Bloomberg and won't assist in the decline of education here in NYC.

x(

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. There are perks associated w. union postions.

The *paid* variety of positions, that is.

Not so much the chapter leaders (though they get miniperks themselves : relief from paperwork and lighter schedules; plus other , informal, shall we say, "arrangements" w. the principal to look the other way re. contract violations in the school.)and delegates.

Certainly not the rank and file.

[Wilms]

2. Prime Directive: Maintain Control

Never mind the organization's mission.

I've seen that happen.