AFT, Local 212

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A Message From Local 212 President Michael Rosen:

May 22, 2007

As the semester ends, I want to thank all of you for what you have done this academic year.

Despite an administration that disdains academics, the faculty and the educational staff, you have maintained your commitments to our students, technical education, the businesses we serve and your colleagues. It is your dedication and commitment that makes MATC the most important college in Milwaukee. No one can ever take that away from us.

I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to those of you who are retiring. Your life’s work has made a difference in the lives of hundreds if not thousands of Milwaukee’s working class families. While professional educators may be ridiculed by politicians, pundits and even MATC’S administration, you can leave the halls of MATC knowing that your efforts have helped provide thousands with life changing opportunities. Thank you for a job well done.

I want to particularly thank Dorothy Reil, Cliff Winkleman, Richard Boldt and Bob Brzyski who in addition to their work for the college have devoted their time and energy to Local 212 and its members. You may be retiring, but your efforts have made all of our lives better.

I was recently reminded again of how important Local 212 can be to the lives of our members.

As you know Culinary Arts instructor, Chris Susedik recently passed away after a protracted battle with cancer. Sadly, Chris left behind a lovely wife and three children. They will continue to be provided with health insurance because your Bargaining Committees negotiated language that guarantees the families of a deceased member coverage for two years. This was one of the things that the administration wanted to take away in the current negotiations.

Thank Goodness our Bargaining Committees and their leader Frank Shansky held firm. While it is a benefit that most of us will fortunately never use, I am proud to be part of an organization that had the foresight and fortitude to safeguard the interests of Chris’ family.

I also want to thank all of you who have volunteered your time to serve on the Executive Board, Grievance Committee, Committee on Political Education (COPE), Core Committees, AQIP, Social Solidarity Committee other committees and at the State Convention. While this administration has a hierarchal view of management that reduces faculty input to the status of a junior high student council and undermines shared governance, your efforts at making our collective voice heard are invaluable. Thank you.

Finally I want to wish all of you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. For those who will be gone during the summer, rest up, enjoy your vacation and come back refreshed. We will have many challenges in the Fall, not the least of which will be to get this administration to recognize the value of its employees and settle the contract. If you are not off this summer, I still hope your summer is a good one with time for friends and family.

Local 212 will be here, so stop by the office or give us a call. Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication. That’s all for now.

Michael Rosen, President

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