WTU General Vice President Candi Peterson has agreed to hold off on her lawsuit against the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) in favor of handling the dispute through informal mediation or arbitration. However, after first seeking arbitration itself, WTU has reversed itself and is now plowing ahead with litigation.
In response to aggressive litigation tactics by WTU President Nathan A. Saunders, WTU General Vice President Candi Peterson has been forced to file a Standard of Conduct complaint with the DC Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) on December 2, 2011 contesting her removal. In her complaint, WTU General Vice President Peterson alleges that her removal was "based entirely on a personal affront taken by WTU Nathan A. Saunders to WTU General Vice President Peterson's exercise of free speech." See Peterson PERB Complaint(s) filed December 2011. Click links below to view:
Peterson 12/2/11 Perb Verified Req. for Preliminary Relief
Peterson 12/2/11 Perb Standards of Conduct Complaint
Ms. Peterson's attorney, J. Michael Hannon has requested PERB to take immediate action to return her to office saying, "removal of a duly elected labor leader is a fundamental abuse of the rights of the entire labor organization to representation by its duly elected officers."
WTU General Vice President is concerned about WTU's legal tactics. Peterson stated: "I don't understand how President Saunders can use union money to fund his legal attack against me. This is purely personal on his part, and I expect other union members will object when they realize his temper may cost WTU half a million dollars in legal fees."
For additional information on the status of this case, please contact :
Hannon Law Group
1901 18th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 745-6880 Direct ∙ (202) 232-1907 Receptionist
jhannon@hannonlawgroup.com
www.hannonlawgroup.com
10 comments:
I felt something wasn't "quite right" with the posting on the Union webpage. I'll just be glad when this ugly chapter is over. I don't like that there are no checks and balances in place and that the Union is being run by one person, when two were elected. I am trusting/hoping that the judicial authorities will resolve this issue soon. Again, good luck!
DC teachers don't deserve to be deprived of relevant information about things that concern us. We need to know both sides of the story. I agree with Anonymous @ 601. Thanks for clarifying. Shame on Saunders.
Candi,
Wishing you good luck in this, I still would like to know:
1. Are you doing any WTU work, and if so, what are you doing?
2. Are you being paid your full salary?
3. What face-to-face contact do you have with Nathan?
Reply to Marvin
No I am not doing any WTU work. Since my leave of absence was revoked by Nathan Saunders and Deputy Chancellor Jason Kamras- I have returned back to DCPS. I now work in a high school. My leave of absence was unilaterally revoked by Saunders WITHOUT Executive Board approval and even though my contract was between me, DCPS and the WTU.
No I am not being paid my full union salary even though I have a contract which was ratified December 1, 2010 by the Executive Board.
I have no face to face contact with Nathan as I no longer work at the WTU office.
Good luck Candi, this sounds like dejavou to me.
Hoping that you're made whole. I thought things would be different- seems like George Jr. is in charge. An embarrassment (sp. I know)to teachers, the city and the labor movement. On another note- any word on teacher terminations? Fall 2009, Summer 2010 (Yr. 1 of IMPACT) and Summer 2011 (Yr.2 of IMPACT)wondering whats going on
Good Luck! You cannot have a corrupt union leader in office that will:
1) misuse the members' dues
2) mislead the members in providing inaccurate information about the complaint against him
3) pretend he cares for the members and in solidarity
4) the most important item: be brought to justice when he used you as his running mate in the election so he can win, only to dump you.
He can't remind WTU President for too long. Elections will come around and the members will remember.
Good Luck! You cannot have a corrupt union leader in office that will: 1) misuse the members' dues 2) mislead the members in providing inaccurate information about the complaint against him 3) pretend he cares for the members and in solidarity 4) the most important item: be brought to justice when he used you as his running mate in the election so he can win, only to dump you. He can't remain WTU President for too long. Elections will come around and the members will remember.
HI Candi!
I am so sorry that this has happened to you and the teachers. Keep the FAITH. Justice is not blind! I am amazed but this city is CURSED. Saunders did what Gray did to the techers! I just knew Gray was going to make things RIGHT and FAIR. People who hold office in this city keep quiet because MICHELEE RHEE legacy (money) is ruling this city.Look at the conruption even Harry Councilmember Thomas found. Fenty and Rhee are lol. Candi you have the truth on your side.
Good luck Candi. You have the support of many more than you think.
I am glad you are blogging once again.
Keep us informed please.
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