LANSING – The Michigan Education Association has asked its local members to vote on giving the MEA authority to initiate “crisis activities” including “job actions” that might mean a work stoppage.
MEA spokesperson Doug Pratt said Thursday that the move comes in response to actions in the Legislature. “MEA will not stand silent while Michigan’s public schools and middle class are under attack,” he said in an email. “These votes are our way of increasing the awareness and action among our members statewide to stand in defense of our jobs, our rights and the futures of our students and communities. Should lawmakers fail to end these attacks on the people of Michigan, we will not shy away from taking action to stop them.”
Teacher strikes are illegal. However, no action can be taken against striking teachers unless the school district administration files a complaint with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. Historically, superintendents have opted against doing so, rendering the ban toothless.
“On the specific question of a work stoppage, that is a decision that our members make – not simply one the MEA president or board makes,” Pratt said. “But I’m certain the actions of the Legislature and the governor over the coming weeks will weigh heavily on our members’ minds.
A letter Salters sent to MEA locals called for them to send the results of their votes to Salters by April 15.
The threat drew a sharp rebuke from House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall).
“It is shameful for the union to put the union’s interests ahead of children and show disrespect for the parents in their districts who have seen their pay and benefits reset in our struggling economy,” Bolger said in a statement. “It is the height of arrogance for Salters, whose pay would be unaffected by a strike, to tell teachers they should risk their careers by participating in an illegal activity.”
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