Community Voices: A Response to Assemblywoman Allard

Ms. Allard,

You spoke today at the Assembly Health Policy Committee meeting between the Muni and Anchorage School District. You claim union members are fearful of speaking about their willingness to return due to repercussions from the Union.

I am not sure how well educated you are about unions, but there are no repercussions...it's silly to think we have that much power, or that we would desire to implement ill will upon our members. Members always have the will to revoke their membership, and to always speak as they feel.

If anything, union members are overwhelmingly concerned about retribution from the school district for speaking about their reservations regarding reentry when COVID numbers are so high and that the District is rushing to open for a week and a half before the Thanksgiving holiday, and another two and a half weeks prior to the winter break.

As you've stated, "No union should have such control to demand our schools close down."

We don't.

On a side note, schools aren't closed down. Please do educate yourself and your constituents with factual information -- the unions cannot, do not, nor will enact repercussions for speaking up about their desire to go back to FTF learning. I'm in the business of education, and happy to educate.

Feel free to ask me questions, and to share these bizarre claims of union repercussions. I'd love to clear the air for you and for them.

Ms. Nelson