CAT Tracks for May 1, 2002 DAY 4...ROUTINE?

LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE...

It's "kinda scary" how quickly everyone slipped into the "routine" of day-to-day strike activities. I mean...it HAS been over 7 years since we were last forced to go out on strike.

Pickets were out in force Tuesday morning and strike headquarters was "hoppin". Tuesday's focus was on public relations, as various individuals worked on handouts to be distributed to the public, letters to the editor, and designing a trifold brochure which should be ready for Wednesday.

The CAT bargaining team was busy working on its next proposal, so as to be ready when negotiations resume. We take this stuff seriously...let's hope the same is true of the other side.

IEA UniServ Coordinator Dale Boudreau - that's Jim Tammen's boss - arrived in town Tuesday afternoon to assess the situation and lend his expertise to our effort. Dale will be in Cairo tomorrow to join you on the picket lines, assuring me that he had brought his rain gear. Let's hope he doesn't need it.

TOP SECRET!

Somewhat bemusing...but actually very sad. Those of you who watched the local TV stations probably heard Superintendent Isom's report that plans were being made to provide "education" for Seniors and 8th Grade students. When I say "sad", I'm not talking about the sham of "showing concern" for some students while totally disregarding the vast majority...all in the interests of public relations. What I found truly sad is that the superintendent told the media that this instruction would take place at an "undisclosed location". Does the administration of Cairo School District Number One have so little respect for its teachers that it actually believes that students would be in danger if they crossed teacher picket lines? Or...if the Board of Education is implementing "Operation Hide the Kids" because parents object to crossing picket lines on principle...then maybe they ought to consider eliminating the cause of the picket lines...sit down and negotiate a fair settlement with their employees.

Incidentally, we received word - and an example - of the fine educational experience being afforded to Seniors. A senior dropped by strike headquarters and gave us a copy of a handout that the District had prepared. The seniors were called and told they had to come to CHS and pick up their individual copies...and to go home and study! Wonder what our Little/Modern Red Schoolhouse consultants would think of those methods?

LATE AS USUAL

Once again the District cannot get checks to its out-of-town employees on time. Several teachers called me Tuesday to indicate that they did not receive their paycheck in the mail as promised and (previously) required. This is one area where the District unfortunately benefits from the strike...we cannot file grievances over their violations of the contract. At least we still have recourse to unfair labor practices!

IN CLOSING

Picketing resumes Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. The "noon meeting" will be at 11 a.m. at strike headquarters. Entertainment has been promised! And if it does happen to rain, do your very best Gene Kelly impersonation...and come up with some appropriate new "strike-related" lyrics for the tune..."Singing in the Rain". By the way, "old folks"...please explain this to your younger colleagues.