Friday, January 15, 2010

AFL-CIO backing teachers union against Gov. Paterson's education reform package, putting at risk New York application for federal aid - NYPOST.com


AFL-CIO backing teachers union against Gov. Paterson's education reform package, putting at risk New York application for federal aid - NYPOST.com:

"The state's powerful, 2.5-million-member AFL-CIO is using its muscle in a bid to thwart Gov. Paterson's plan to lift the cap on charter schools and undermine cash-starved New York's effort to qualify for $700 million in federal education aid, sources said.

The drive is targeting all of Paterson's proposals, which include granting charter schools access to public funds for building construction -- and striking a law that bars school districts from weighing student performance in teacher-tenure decisions.

'We're opposed to it,' an AFL-CIO insider said, referring to the governor's legislation.

The AFL-CIO is a massive umbrella labor organization whose membership includes the teachers unions, District Council 37 and the building trades."