Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

I trust that you read with great interest the "complete ruling"of the recent findings of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board in the ULP's filed against CSD #1 provided courtesy of Superintendent Elaine Bonifield.

Of special interest to me as I re-read the findings was the testimony by Dr. Bonifield on page 20 where she states that dealing with the Association and/or its president "creates a problem" and that she does not have time to answer questions (required by Illinois labor law) because she lacks "sufficient staff". Hmmmmm . . . and yet she has the time and personnel to prepare for every certified employee a 40-page "book" that (as several people told me yesterday) "says exactly what you said in the January 5, 1998 CAT Tracks"!?

Dr. Bonifield can speak for herself as to her motivation for this action. It would appear on the surface that her point might be that all is well as long as " we are only a little bit guilty "! I guess we could ask Terry Nichols--or better yet, the victims!!!

Oh, well. Stay tuned!

I am sure that Dr. Bonifield ("for your information" as to how well the District is fairing in spending its money fighting its employee organizations) also plans to send each and every one of you a copy of the "complete ruling" in the CAESP ULP-- a VERY STRONGLY WORDED, 100% VICTORY !!! As was reported to me by the IEA: "The judge HAMMERED the District!" It will be interesting to see how the Superintendent defends " a whole lot guilty "! Your copy should arrive soon.

In desperation the District is grasping for straws, but the bottom line is clear. CSD #1 has violated Illinois labor law in its dealings with BOTH CAT and CAESP! The truth of that statement is very evident! In fact, to use a proverbial saying, you can (soon) "read the writing on the wall"--or is it the notices on the bulletin board?!