D.C. Teachers Union Looks To Guard Perks

The new president of the Washington Teachers' Union  promised a "progressive" administration rather than a "reactionary" one, and said his No. 1 priority is to protect members' job security.

Nathan Saunders said that while he is on the same page as D.C. leaders on some budget issues, the new leadership at both city hall and D.C. Public Schools gives him guardianship over the contract signed this spring that guarantees teachers raises for the next three years but reduces the role of teacher tenure.

"The new contract is guarded by new dynamics," said Mr. Saunders, who assumed his office on Wednesday.

The agreement was signed by then-WTU President George Parker, then-schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee and Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, none of whom will be involved in its implementation. But even with the changing of the guard, the issues of job security and compensation remain on the table.

But Ms. Rhee, brought in by Mr. Fenty and acting with his support, fired hundreds of teachers and other school workers during her 3 1/2-year tenure. These actions, among others, led the teachers union to support D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray's successful bid to oust Mr. Fenty.

"During the Michelle Rhee and Adrian Fenty administrations, WTU was not a real partner, but treated like a red-headed stepchild," Mr. Saunders said. "It's not always in the best interests of our membership to do something that is politically expedient. The trend in the U.S. is less job security. I'm moving in the opposite direction.

"My job is to protect members," he added.                     

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