|
|
|
Berkeley Federation of Teachers organizes teachers at two new charter schools |
 |
 |
Teachers at REALM Middle and High Schools became the first charter schools in Berkeley to receive union recognition last month when they were informed by the California Public Employment Relations Board that their request to join the Berkeley Federation of Teachers had been granted.
When asked why the teachers chose the Berkeley Federation, Hillary Walker, a sixth grade humanities teacher at REALM said, “Based on its history of advocacy, support, and collective bargaining, we felt that the BFT could help us negotiate a strong contract, and its emphasis on democratic participation can be a model for other charter schools.”
REALM is a new charter school system that opened its doors in August 2011. Its certificated staff sought out the Berkeley Federation for union representation. Last summer, prospective teachers met with leaders of the Berkeley Federation and the CFT Organizing Department to answer questions and discuss options.
Cathy Campbell, president of the Berkeley Federation, said, “We look forward to working together to negotiate a first contract that addresses the unique concerns of charter teachers, while also maintaining the best conditions our teachers enjoy in the Berkeley Unified School District.”
Lauding the Berkeley charter teachers for seeking union representation, CFT President Josh Pechthalt said, “Charter school teachers deserve the same rights in school decision-making as teachers in traditional public schools.”
|
|
