IAC – Page 2 – Old IWW

First Unionized Charter School in Richmond, CA Faces Off Against Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2021
Contact: [email protected]

First Unionized Charter School in Richmond, CA Faces Off Against Management

RICHMOND, CA — Last month, workers at Caliber: Beta Academy formed the first charter school union in Richmond, CA, filing for certification with the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB).

The Caliber Beta Academy school management has responded to their employees’ concerted activity with a ham-fisted attempt to nip their new labor union in the bud.

In the courtroom, school officials are inviting PERB case officers to play a carnival game of guessing how many candies there are in the jar by proposing a muddled bargaining unit based on an employee list that includes school principals as non-management staff.

“The Caliber Beta Academy administration knows that the PERB case officers will eventually sift out managers from the bargaining unit,” said Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) Union Representative Cameron Crowell, “but with the time they buy themselves with this maneuver the school can attempt to discourage their staff by firing or intimidating union members.”

“It’s hard to see this move by Caliber Beta Academy management as anything other than a way to delay speaking with us about the issues that matter to staff, students, parents, and ultimately the school’s future prosperity,’ said first grade teacher Morgan Hubbard.

Meanwhile, written evidence received by the IWW shows that Caliber Beta Academy management has engaged in an internal hunt for union leaders, choosing to fire teachers of longstanding who have been formally recognized for their professionalism by refusing to offer them a contract for the new teaching year; a standard practice that has been possibly designed to give management the freedom to keep good teachers on the job indefinitely while keeping an effective veto over anyone that might like to exercise their right to join a labor union. At the same time, the school has begun pulling individual teachers into meetings while announcing that talk of organizing at work is forbidden, a move possibly intended to create an atmosphere of fear.

In order to preserve our rights, the IWW has filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint against the school related to this series of actions and we hope that with the cessation of such practices, to have a positive working relationship with the school moving forward.

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The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is a labor union representing 9,000 workers across North America. Established in 1905, the IWW is known for its high standards of democracy, transparency, multinationalism, and active use of the right to strike.

Charter School Workers in Richmond, CA Caliber: Beta Academy, File For Union Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2021
Contact: [email protected]

Charter School Workers in Richmond, CA Caliber: Beta Academy, File For Union Certification

With a majority of certificated staff signed onto union cards, upon PERB certification the Industrial Workers of the World stands to bring Caliber: Beta Academy to the bargaining table with their workers.

RICHMOND, CA — Last week, workers at Richmond charter school Caliber: Beta Academy upped the ante in their struggle for better working conditions, justice on the job, and a seat at the table for teachers and support staff, as well as students and their families.

“We share a campus with Kennedy High School, their teachers have a union. Behind us, down the street is Stege Elementary School, their teachers have a union. I am a public school teacher and I love my job, I wouldn’t want to do anything else, all I want are the same rights and protections other public school teachers get,” said Gerri Swift, 4th Grade Teacher. “What kind of teacher would I be, trying to make my students ‘agents of change’ if I did not stand up beside my co-workers, my families, my union, with the same kindness and courage I preach to my children?”

On Wednesday April 21, 2021 Caliber: Beta Academy employees sent a letter to school administration, Board, and CEO asking for voluntary recognition as a majority of certificated employees (teachers, clinicians, and education support staff) have signed authorization cards signaling their intent to unionize.

On the following day, April 22, teachers, support staff, students, and parents came together at State Court Park to talk about and celebrate their vision of a better Caliber: Beta Academy through inclusion of all voices.

While the school’s administration was invited to celebrate these teachers’ wonderful moment and get ready to bargain in good faith, management chose not to attend.

Without a reply from school management, Caliber: Beta Academy employees decided to formally file for certification with the California Public Employment Relations Board on Friday April 23. Now management will be required to respond and begin to bargain over the things that matter most to staff, students, and families: from class sizes, guaranteed prep time, and protections to the fight back against the massive teacher turnover.

“I fully support the idea of a Union here at Caliber because of the security for directly making influential decisions through the use of my voice on behalf of staff and for students. Teachers at Caliber aren’t robots, but can seem to function like they are, because they are fueled by their passion and commitment to their students. The Union serves to magnify and brighten that passion and commitment,“ said Fernando Ramos, K-2 PE Teacher.

Teacher retention is core to creating a stable and consistent environment for kids. The Caliber: Beta Academy will now have an invaluable opportunity to secure the school’s stable and prosperous future by listening to the workers who know the school best. As soon as Caliber: Beta Academy management recognizes the union real and much needed improvements can begin.

“I chose to come to Caliber because it was a school that really aligned with my own values, in terms of how we support students of color, equity, and restorative justice. I feel supported but coming in as a first year teacher I noticed the 50% teacher turnover,” said Emerald Chan, 7th Grade Math Teacher. “The students picked up on that, they’re always asking me and other teachers, ‘are you coming back next year.’ They’re really looking for a continued support year to year, and even if we’re not their classroom teacher again they still want to see us around campus and stay connected to us.”

How to get involved!

If you’re a Caliber: Beta Academy employee sign a union card and become a member of our union the IWW, come to the next union meeting (Tuesday’s at 4:30pm) to have your voice heard, and take a selfie and submit it to our group photo! You can submit photos and ask any questions to [email protected].

If you’re a parent, caretaker, or student, sign our petition, submit a photo of you/your family with some words of support for social media, speak up at board meetings, and get involved by emailing Caliber Administration that you support the Caliber Workers Union (Board President Jennifer [email protected], CFO/Board Member Tony [email protected], CEO Terrance [email protected]).

If you’re a community supporter, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, upcoming events, and ways to let the Caliber Administration know they have to bargain.

Caliber: Beta Academy forms first charter school union in Richmond, CA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2021
Contact: [email protected]

Caliber: Beta Academy forms first charter school union in Richmond, CA

RICHMOND, CA — The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is excited to announce that workers of Caliber: Beta Academy have recently organized with majority support as the Caliber Workers Union (CWU) under the IWW, forming the first charter school union in Richmond, CA. As of April 21st, CWU has submitted a request for voluntary recognition to Caliber: Beta Academy’s school leadership. CWU is excited to begin the process of negotiating their contract. Their key demands include an end to at-will employment, an equitable evaluation policy, and the right to union representation at any meeting wherein matters affecting school curriculum, staff pay, hours, benefits, advancement, or layoffs may be discussed or voted on.

The workers of CWU decided to unionize to honor their organizational values of equity, collective responsibility, and justice. CWU’s mission to organize for worker protection and the ability to advocate is informed by the knowledge that employee working conditions are students’ learning conditions. Knowing that Caliber’s mission is to “reimagine education,” CWU believes it is particularly important for Caliber to lead the way in establishing union support that is uncommon for charter school employees. As we navigate the ongoing pandemic CWU is eager to move forward collaboratively with students, families, and administration to support our school through these changes and growth.

“Caliber’s strength has always come from the brilliance of its students, their families, and the unwavering dedication and passion of its workers. Unionizing is the next necessary step in our commitment to the people who make our school possible. It’s exciting that Caliber gets to lead by becoming the first charter school in Richmond to unionize for the betterment of its school community,” said CWU member and 4th grade lead teacher Tyler Powles.

To learn more, please visit caliberworkers.org.

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The Caliber Workers Union is committed to protecting and preserving the quality of working conditions for employees and learning conditions of students within Caliber: Beta Academy.

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is a labor union representing nearly 8,000 workers across North America. Established in 1905, the IWW is known for its high standards of democracy, transparency, multinationalism, and active use of the right to strike.

Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition Staff Joins the IWW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2021
Contact: [email protected]

OHIO VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION STAFF JOINS THE IWW

HUNTINGTON, West Virginia — The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is excited to announce that workers of the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC) have recently organized with majority support as the OVEC Union (OVECU) under the IWW. As of March 4, OVECU has submitted a request for voluntary recognition to the OVEC Board of Directors. OVECU is excited to begin the process of negotiating their contract. Their key demands include a standardized pay scale, an equitable discipline policy, and the right to union representation at any meeting wherein matters affecting staff pay, hours, benefits, advancement, or layoffs may be discussed or voted on.

The workers of OVEC decided to unionize to honor their organizational values of empowerment and justice. OVEC’s mission to organize for environmental justice is informed by the belief that Appalachians — and all workers, everywhere — benefit from the right to union representation in their place of employment regardless of current working conditions. OVECU believes it is particularly important for employees to have union support during times of transition with administration, board, and staff, and is eager to move forward collaboratively with members of the board and administration as the 34-year-old organization grows and changes.

“Having a union is a logical next step in supporting our organization as our organization continues to support our communities. Unionizing only strengthens our commitment to the vital work we do at the crossroads of environmental, social, and labor justice,” said OVEC Project Coordinator Dustin White.

OVECU is asking for you to endorse their unionization efforts by calling 304-522-0246 and leaving a message of congratulations and support, or dropping a note at [email protected].

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The Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition Union is committed to protecting and preserving the quality of work conditions for employees of the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition.

Socialist Rifle Association Staff Join the IWW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2021
Contact: [email protected]

SOCIALIST RIFLE ASSOCIATION STAFF JOIN THE IWW

WICHITA, Kansas — The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is excited to announce that workers of the Socialist Rifle Association (SRA) have recently organized with majority support as the Socialist Rifle Association Workers United (SRAWU) under the IWW. As of March 13, SRAWU has submitted a request for voluntary recognition, which is guaranteed by the SRA’s bylaws. SRAWU is thrilled to begin the process of negotiating their contract. Their key demands include a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) policy and the right of union representation at any Assembly meeting wherein matters affecting staff pay, hours, benefits, advancement, or layoffs may be discussed or voted on.

The reputation of the Socialist Rifle Association is that of radical democracy and a vigorous pro-labor attitude. The workers of the SRA have gone too long without workplace guarantees against harassment as well as a lack of representation in matters concerning their working conditions. This has too often led to wonderful, hard-working and talented individuals experiencing burnout and in some cases quitting. Given this, unionizing the SRA workspace is the next logical step in the existence of the organization.

“In 2018 when we started the Socialist Rifle Association, I could never have imagined it growing to the point that it has. So many amazing people have poured their sweat and tears into this organization, and unfortunately many of them have been burned in the process. It’s time for the staff and volunteers of the SRA to unite and organize for their own wellbeing while we continue to do everything we can to support our chapters and membership,” said Faye Ecklar, Director of Mutual Aid.

Socialist Rifle Association workers hold dear the belief that the best and most productive way to advance the goals of the SRA is to work collaboratively on making a productive, safe and healthy workplace.

Nikol Heathcock, Chapters Director, stated, “I am excited about the opportunity to be involved in building something like this for our staff, and personally I’m looking forward to being a union member!”

The Socialist Rifle Association Workers United is asking that you show your support for their unionization efforts by engaging on the union’s Twitter, as well as telling the SRA how excited you are that their workers are unionizing!

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Socialist Rifle Association Workers United is a coalition of paid staff and volunteers of the Socialist Rifle Association, who are committed to providing a safe space for marginalized communities to explore firearms education and mutual aid.

Moe’s Books Workers Join the IWW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Moe’s Books Workers, IWW
Press Contact: [email protected]

MOE’S BOOKS WORKERS JOIN THE IWW,
AND MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY RECOGNIZES THE UNION

(Berkeley, CA, March 10, 2021) The workers of Moe’s Books are thrilled to announce that they have recently organized, with almost unanimous support, and joined the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). As of March 9, they have been recognized by the owner of Moe’s Books, Doris Moskowitz, and are looking to the community for support as they begin the process of negotiating their contract. Their key demands include job security and more control over COVID-19 safety protocols.

The workers of Moe’s came to this decision primarily due to concerns about health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, there have been many incidents where employees and valued Moe’s customers were put in danger by poor safety protocol. When staff members advocated for the safety of themselves and others, they were often ignored and even retaliated against. The most immediate goal of the Moe’s Books union will be to get fair and equal input on the formation and enforcement of safety protocols, without fear of dismissal or retaliation.

Moe’s Books workers believe wholeheartedly that the best and safest way for Moe’s to proceed through this pandemic will be collaboration and mutual respect in addressing ever-changing circumstances. The reputation of Moe’s Books as a bastion of radical bookselling since 1959 has always been tied to the devotion and love of its workers, and they are unionizing with the view of keeping Moe’s a place where workers are respected and treated well.

The best way for you to support the Moe’s Books union right now is to come to Moe’s, buy a book, and tell the staff how excited you are that they’re unionizing! You can also spread the word.

Moe’s Books Workers are a coalition of booksellers, buyers, and everything in between. Some of them have worked at the historic bookselling institution for decades, some for just a few months; but they are all committed to maintaining Moe’s as a space for radical bookselling.

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IWW Supports Arrested Striking Workers

January 20, 2021

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, essential workers striking for a $1 an hour raise were harassed and arrested by New York City police while picketing the truck entrance of the Hunts Point Market. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) stands in solidarity with these fellow workers who are organized under the Teamsters Local 202.

According to a statement from the Teamsters, about 1,400 warehouse workers and drivers employed by Hunts Point Market (772 Edgewater Rd, Bronx, NY 10474) are on strike for the hazard pay increase following confirmation that the business owners have received a $15 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the government. Hunts Point Market is considered the largest wholesale produce market in the world, spanning a million square-feet of interior space.

“It is outrageous that after being called essential heroes for months, several of our members were arrested while peacefully protesting for a raise today,” said Local 202 President Daniel Kane, Jr. “These are the essential workers who went to work every day through the worst of the pandemic to feed New York.”

Not surprising is the fact that the company website even boasts about the expertise of its workers as a selling point for customers, stating: “Every year, more than 210 million packages of produce pass through the market, thanks to some of the most streamlined logistics in the business. Our stock is handled with care to ensure the highest degree of food safety.”

Liss Waters Hyde, IWW General Executive Board (GEB) Chair, said it is imperative that all workers unite against these infringements upon any worker’s right to organize for better pay and working conditions.

“Fellow workers everywhere are facing unparalleled challenges due to this pandemic. Being called essential or hero does nothing for the real, material needs of these workers who are putting themselves and their families at risk everyday they show up to keep food distribution flowing throughout the New York City region,” Hyde said. “And for this to happen on MLK day is adding insult to injury.”

The IWW is famous for refusing to support the unionization of police specifically because of how the police are regularly utilized to silence workers in favor of capital.

“The Teamsters have made it clear that regardless of the Hunts Point Market owners using riot cops to get trucks moving in and out of the warehouse, these workers will remain on strike until they receive the pay they deserve,” Hyde said. “The IWW finds it unconscionable that money given to a business for payroll then doesn’t flow down to the paychecks. As such, I encourage all members who are able to join the picket or provide other support to these workers to do so.”

For ongoing information about the strike, including video from the night of the arrests, please see https://twitter.com/TeamstersJC16. To read the full press release from the Teamsters Local 202 visit http://teamsters.nyc/2021/01/19/teamsters-condemn-arrests-peaceful-hunts-point-strikers/.

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