FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, September 20, 2024
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Organizer name – Evan McKenzie
Cell: (262)-749-2461
Email: emckenzie@opeiu39.org
Teachers at Toad Hill Montessori, Inc Announce Unionization
The Madison-based private school union could be a first in Wisconsin
Madison, WI – Roughly two dozen teachers and staff at Toad Hill Montessori, Inc (THMI) have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a union representation election. The election is set for October 2nd. According to the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 39, an overwhelming majority of employees signed union authorization cards.
“Me and my coworkers are organized to protect the jobs we love. It’s not just because of our unliveable pay or the extremely lacking PTO and benefits, but also to make sure we’re not disrespected or treated as replaceable,” says Chloe Dille, an assistant teacher for newborns and infants at Toad Hill Toddler House. “We have stayed because we love the kids, we love this school, and we want to ensure high quality education. Our union will keep the qualified and passionate staff that are integral to keep THM the school families pay to send their children to.”
Workers requested voluntary recognition of their union from their employer on August 23rd, but this request was denied on August 31st. Management has retained Jackson Lewis, a law firm notorious for its union busting, as representation. This filing is significant as few other private schools in Wisconsin have attempted organizing to date. If the workers win the union representation election on October 2nd, this would be one of very few, if not the first, Private School Teachers Union in the state.
Workers at THMI, which includes Blooming Grove Montessori, Toad Hill Toddler House, and Toad Hill Children’s House, teach children from infants to elementary age. There are around 70 students enrolled amongst the schools. Programs focus on interaction with the natural world as well as individual learning and development. Nicole O’Donnell, an administrative assistant and assistant teacher at Toad Hill Toddler House, notes that, “As a parent of inspiring minds, I’ve always been drawn to Montessori. The nature-based program is a huge grounding benefit for myself as a teacher and my children as well. The security provided by unionizing with OPEIU Local 39 will not only preserve our staff, but will help bring comfort and assurance to the children. When staff are well taken care of, it takes the stress off so we can pour into the youth, being present, empathetic, and patient.”
Workers are organizing around a variety of issues. “Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions,” notes Andy Sernatinger, a union representative for OPEIU 39. “Compensation at Toad Hill Montessori doesn’t match area and state pay for teachers, and health insurance is so expensive that almost none of the workers are enrolled.” Other issues presented by the workers include an arbitrary Paid Time Off policy, improper time to plan and communicate with parents, and the lack of a guaranteed discount/waiver for teacher’s enrolled children.
“I will cast my vote with unwavering conviction, driven by a fierce desire to remain rooted in this space that feels like home,” states Abbey Richter, a teacher at the Blooming Grove Montessori. “I yearn for the comfort, safety, and stability that allows us to thrive, free from the heavy weight of uncertainty about my job and the worry of making rent. This is about our future, our dreams, and the security we desperately need.”
Please contact OPEIU Local 39 Organizer Evan McKenzie to arrange Toad Hill Montessori, Inc. employee interviews or for further information. Call/Text – (262)-749-2461 or email emckenzie@opeiu39.org. Workers interested in organizing unions where they work should contact us through our organizing website: opeiu39.org.
ABOUT OPEIU LOCAL 39:
OPEIU Local 39 was founded in 1945 with our first bargaining unit at CUNA Mutual Group Life Insurance (CMG) company, now called TruStage. Our union, headquartered in Madison, WI, is primarily made up of workers in Wisconsin and Illinois. However, we also represent workers as far away as Durham, NC, Washington, D.C. and Oakland, CA! We empower working people to make the material changes they want to see in their workplaces and their communities. Our members are employed in a range of fields, including Nonprofits, IT, Business/Office Administration, Healthcare, Public Utilities and more. OPEIU Local 39 is an affiliated local of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).
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