The BDL School District in Southern Florida had never previously been unionized. During the past two years teachers had become increasingly upset because they had not received wage increases. In fact, at a very raucous meeting of parents and teachers about two months prior to the representation election, a number of parents openly complained that no teacher should receive an increase until students improved test scores to a point higher than the statewide average.

The city itself is a medium sized suburb of a major city. However, it exists in a sparsely populated county near more urban centers. Most residents commute to jobs in neighboring counties, although a small percentage works at a local factory assembling consumer electronic products. A significant number of individuals work locally in service and retail establishments.

The school district has faced recent criticism from the Florida Department of Education. Children in the district scored in the lowest quartile with respect to reading and math skills at all grades tested. Also, the district has run into substantial fiscal problems in recent years. During the last three years it has had to approve emergency appropriations to deal with a variety of issues, including storm damage from a recent hurricane. In addition, voters only narrowly passed the recent budget, which many in the district itself complained was only "bare bones."

The Teachers

There are 125 teachers in the district. The teachers work in four different buildings: three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

Raymond Cruz, 36 year old middle-school teacher. He is an openly-G*y male living with domestic partner (of 10 years) and their 2 adopted children (now 3 and 6 years old)?

My name is Raymond. I am a father of two and I work for the BDL school district teaching 8th graders. I have been in a long term relationship with my partner for over 10 years- but the district does not recognize same-sex domestic partners and does not offer healthcare benefits for my partner.   I belong to a community organization named, “G*y Equity.” The reason I am involved in this organization is to fight for my rights to equal benefits. My heterosexual peers do the same level of work that I do- but their partners are covered under the benefits plan. This unfair treatment leads me to complain in writing in the G*y Equity Quarterly Newsletter about the lack of 'companion' benefits under the district's present health insurance policies. I just want what my peers are getting.

Anthony Ramirez; One of the elected School District Managers

I understand that the teachers are upset about the lack of raises; I too come from a teaching background. But, we do what we can. Right now the budget has been cut to the point that we have no extra money! My concern lies with the quality of education our children are receiving. I have a duty to the parents and the children to ensure that they are getting the best possible education- and with the recent test scores it is clear that we- the school district- have failed. Is unionizing the solution? I’m not sure—but I do know that the families will certainly be upset to hear that our teachers are going to make more money—especially knowing that the salaries will change but the and test scores may not change.

Charlotte Baird, Caucasian middle school teacher. She is a single mother of a middle school student

Look, I am as frustrated as the rest of my peers—but what can we do? I am a single mother with a child in the same middle school where I teach. Do I want a raise? Yes, do I deserve a raise – most certainly! Will this change the test scores? I just don’t know. Our class sizes are appropriate but we have so many students who don’t do their homework- they have no one at home after school to encourage this schoolwork so it goes undone. Would I consider the union? Yes, Right now I need an advocate – I’m tired of hearing the same old speech…no money in the budget, we can’t allocate any money for raises right now. I have to support my child, so if the union will help me then I’m in!

Please review the You Decide content item. Imagine that you are the head of the Florida Department of Education. The teachers have voted, and unionization is in the making. Review the information from our three characters in the You Decide to determine how you would respond to each of their concerns. Let’s take these questions one section at a time. Who wants to be first?

1. Was unionization the only alternative? What changes should the teachers expect and within what timeframe? What changes will not surface as a result of this unionization? Why?

2. What changes, if any should the district managers make? What concerns (legally and politically) will they face?

3. How do demographics and economics come into play with this unionization effort?