The UTLA Pay Raise Rally and Beyond: Harsh Realities and Challenges By Dr. John Fernandez
(Mensaje se repite en Español)
The UTLA "It's About Time for a Raise" Rally--On November 13, 2013, I attended UTLA's "It's About Time for a Raise" Rally at the District headquarters. Although UTLA provided free transportation to and from the rally, and sent out robo calls and emails to UTLA members, only about 600 hundred teachers and community supporters showed up. In the November issue 15th issue of the United Teacher, UTLA president Warren Fletcher described the rally as a "powerful first step" towards obtaining a pay raise for teachers. Fletcher also emphasized and that teachers must be willing to engage in a series of escalating actions for a pay raise to occur. Clearly, after going seven years without a pay raise, teachers definitely deserve a raise.
But what was is so troubling about the pay raise rally was the low turnout by teachers. This clearly indicates a lack of interest and commitment on their part, even when it comes to something as serious as a pay raise. Of course, UTLA's leadership was there: citywide officers, Board of Directors, House of Representatives, chapter chairs, and hundreds of proactive teachers. But, UTLA's membership is about 32,000. With such a low turnout, it would not surprise me if the District offers no pay raise at all.
Lack of teacher participation--The last major UTLA action prior to November 13, 2013, was held on May 14, 2013 at the Beaudry headquarters. That rally focused on lowering class size. It only drew about 350 teachers. Prior to the May 14, 20013 rally, a UTLA rally was held at Beaudry on March 13, 20012 in order to rescind RIF notices. It only drew about 500 teachers and supporters. In addition, chapter chair attendance at the eight Area meetings has plummeted, especially in the East Area, where only about 40 percent of chapter chairs attend. UTLA chapter chairs are the back-bone of UTLA. Without essential chapter participation at Area