JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 With just hours left before a key deadline, Duval Teachers United is still roughly 250 members short of the threshold needed to avoid a recertification vote, according to union leaders.<\/p>\n
The union must reach 60% membership among the groups it represents or face a recertification election under changes in state law. Union leaders have warned that losing certification could put the district\u2019s current collective bargaining agreement at risk, including negotiated benefits and workplace protections. <\/p>\n
The debate has drawn strong reactions from supporters and critics alike. Now, a Duval County parent and public education advocate is weighing in.<\/p>\n
Katie Hathaway said she believes the fight over DTU is about more than a single union.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredibly frustrating watching Tallahassee continue to make it harder for educators to have a collective voice, and I believe our teachers deserve to continue to have a seat at the table,\u201d Hathaway said.<\/p>\n
Hathaway argued that policies affecting teachers ultimately affect students as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve said for many years that teachers\u2019 working conditions are students\u2019 learning conditions, and when Tallahassee weakens the voice of teachers, that ultimately impacts our children,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The comments come as DTU leaders argue changes approved by state lawmakers have made it increasingly difficult for teachers\u2019 unions to maintain certification. DTU President Tammie Brooks-Evans recently told Action News Jax that lawmakers have continued raising membership requirements as unions meet previous benchmarks. <\/p>\n
State Rep. Dean Black, who has supported some of the state\u2019s union-related reforms, previously pushed back on that criticism and argued the union\u2019s membership struggles may stem from its own challenges, including the criminal convictions earlier this year of DTU\u2019s former president and vice president in a case involving the theft of union funds.<\/p>\n
Hathaway said she believes the current situation extends beyond Duval County.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe this is more than just DTU. This is an attack on teachers\u2019 unions across the state of Florida, as well as collective bargaining,\u201d Hathaway said.<\/p>\n
She said collective bargaining affects issues that directly impact educators and school districts, including teacher pay, benefits and working conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re talking teacher pay, working conditions, benefits, and strong schools rely on the ability to attract and retain great teachers,\u201d Hathaway said.<\/p>\n
DTU leaders have until the end of the day Tuesday to reach the required membership threshold and avoid a recertification vote.<\/p>\n
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