Unions Launch Radio Blitz for School Reform

With anger and resentment growing among DC Councilmembers, community leaders and parents over Mayor Adrian Fenty's school reform tactics, DC union leaders launched a $20,000 radio blitz Thursday to rally public support for an alternative package of reforms that they say stress flexibility and fairness. The radio blitz precedes a showdown next Tuesday, December 11th, when the DC Council is scheduled to take action on school reform legislation proposed by Fenty that would give Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee unilateral authority to fire hundreds of central office employees - without cause or recourse to appeal. Union leaders hope to persuade a majority of councilmembers to substitute their package of personnel reforms for the draconian Fenty-Rhee bill. The union media blitz and lobbying campaign is being spearheaded by the Metro Washington Council and a coalition of unions including the Washington Teachers Union Local 6 (WTU), Teamsters Local 639, School Officers Local 4 and District Council 20 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The 60-second radio spot -- entitled "HIJACKED" -- will air an average of 13 times per day on WMMJ (FM - 102.3), WHUR (FM - 96.3), WPRS (FM - 104.0). Click here to listen.