OUR REQUEST for mediation has fallen on deaf ears. Our weeks of pursuing a non-striking resolution have been rebuffed. We are deeply disappointed and upset. The integrity of the school is undermined and weakened by these failures.
Two years ago there was no union – why is there now?
When we say ‘union’, we mean staff – teachers and others who are passionate about their jobs, custodians, carers and advocates for the students at BIS. Yet somehow, ‘union’ has become a dirty word in our community. How is this possible?
The union at BIS came into being as a direct result of years of falling salaries and worsening working conditions. The teachers didn’t create the union – the board did.
There is a clear legal basis for representation of employees in workplaces throughout Germany. The representation at BIS has been via the BR but their power is restricted to areas that fall outside of working hours and salaries. And salary levels were falling behind inflation, behind rents, while school fees were rising ahead of inflation.
The board communicate directly with parents; the school directorate likewise. The teachers, however, may not. The union has been gagged, forbidden to speak with parents, unable to defend itself against lies.
Nevertheless, the board accuse union members of being militant, of bullying, of wanting to break the school financially. The board peddle misinformation and outright untruths.
We – union members, devoted staff members – are deeply offended at the suggestion that we would seek to break the school, our employer and our livelihood. It’s nonsense. The assertion is easy to spread, but impossible to substantiate – for the simple reason that it is untrue.
Union members have been accused of bullying. Again, this accusation does not stand scrutiny. The union has made every effort to negotiate constructively, to communicate professionally, and to canvass support from staff and parents alike by reasoned argument. We have written letters, held passive demonstrations and repeatedly asked for an opportunity to speak with the parents.
Integrity is our cornerstone. And we have got nowhere.
Who in this dispute is behaving like a playground bully? Not the union. Sadly, the board and directorate have become increasingly combative and sunk to unprofessional, bullying behaviour. Staff report being closely watched, some threatened with consequences for any action deemed outside the parameters of their contract. Others are frightened of losing their jobs and benefits, of being refused professional development opportunities and favourable references – all this for standing up for their rights and the good of the school. There are staff without tenure and staff on one-year contracts whom have expressed a wish to join the union to push for a CBA – but they do not dare action for fear of their jobs.
The school negotiated with the Tarifkommission – the union – on the details of a CBA for nearly a year. The board and school leadership then denied this, in writing.
A number of parents have approached staff in confusion, seeking to understand the situation. The parents have come because they are open-minded, caring and wish to hear both sides of the story. It has been incredibly encouraging and humbling to hear them speak about how they see things from their perspective.
We did not want to take strike action. We asked for mediation. We wanted to return to the discussions about the terms of the CBA with the directorate.
But they have failed us.