Posts tagged ‘Rockford IL’

Open letter to the editor on Reeder and pensions

by , posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 at 9:44 pm

Dear Editor,

Scott Reeder, in a recent “special” to the Rockford Register Star, wrote about what the State of Illinois needs to do on State pensions.

As a corporate journalist Reeder wrote in boilerplate fashion expressing the wishes of the money hogs called the 2%. Reeder’s article was, however, wrong. It was wrong in it’s statements, it’s slant and it’s conclusion.

Reeder is doing the

“whining” actually. Reeder whines about working people getting a fair retirement pension. Reeder wants that pension money going into the already bulging pockets of the wealthy. I am sure Reeder is looking forward to a handsome pension from his corporate bosses.

Reeder’s argument comes down to blaming teachers for working, for paying into an agreed upon pension system and then fighting to keep what is rightfully theirs.

Reeder calls that “whining”.

I call it standing up for yourself.

(more…)

Share

Rockford teachers strike ends. New contract ratified!

by , posted on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at 1:31 pm

In a surprising development, REA negotiators working around the clock brokered a fair agreement with Rockford School District officials. As the strike entered its second day with thousands on the streets, Superintendent Robert Willis returned with new bargaining flexibility after the community learned that some board members had not been advised of details of previous teacher offers.

Visit VideoNewsService’s YouTube page here.

Share

Jan 30 post Rockford teachers strike hearing

by , posted on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at 9:39 am

This is part of a VNS series that follows the teachers of Rockford through the last year of contract disputes, corporate reform and questionable administration tactics.

Visit VideoNewsService’s YouTube page here.

Share

Rockford teachers strike vigil

by , posted on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at 8:55 pm

While negotiators from both teams considered details of an eleventh hour of the eleventh month deal, teachers and concerned citizens gathered outside the district law office at Hinshaw & Culbertson. School Board members complained of not receiving timely notification regarding offers made by teachers during stalled negotiations

Visit VideoNewsService’s YouTube page here.

Share

Rockford teachers strike: One brave teacher speaks up

by , posted on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at 8:15 pm

This video shot on day one of THE ROCKFORD TEACHERS STRIKE shows the solidarity and support of the community for the teachers. Corporate reform has gripped this town for three years of brutal reprisals, firings, and school board shenanigans. One teacher’s courage is emblematic of the push back in bedrock USA! Thousands protested, and the board was forced to give a fair contract to teachers who have been 11 months without. Teachers speak as one to say, “We’re not gonna take it!”

This is a tremendous win against the corporate reform agenda which aims at destruction of teachers unions.

Visit VideoNewsService’s YouTube page here.

Share

Rockford 205 Public Input Is Worthless

by , posted on Thursday, March 29th, 2012 at 8:06 pm

The public are excluded from the process of administration of public funds for education. Without notice, public comment was reduced to 1 minute. Hundreds of people were kept outside. The Board acts in closed session to forward its privatization agenda without regard for students, teachers, parents or the future of Rockford. District for sale!

Visit VideoNewsService’s YouTube page here.

Share

Rockford Board of Education Forcing Teachers Strike?

by , posted on Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 10:02 pm

Is the Board of Ed trying to force a strike to further denigrate teachers and divert more public money to privatization?

See the website: www.teachernegotiations.com

If you can believe it!!

The Board of Education appears willing to blame the teachers and crash the school district in order to preserve a privatization agenda, and fat paychecks for executives in the top heavy administration. 2000 teachers paychecks, cost of living and step and ladder increases have been frozen for 3 years, while the controversy plagued board/administration squirms at questions about missing money, golden parachutes and crony contracts. The district has accused teachers of not acting in good faith.

Share

Durbin Meets Occupy Rockford

by , posted on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 1:01 pm

Senator Richard Durbin speaks with members of Occupy Rockford at the dedication of the new Federal Court House.

Share