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The Strong disputes CSEA claim that unionizing led to teacher dismissals
Expansion of The Strong Museum of Play was recognized as one of the country's "most impressive construction projects" by the Associated General Contractors of America. (Photo provided by LeChase Construction Services)
Expansion of The Strong Museum of Play was recognized as one of the country's "most impressive construction projects" by the Associated General Contractors of America. (Photo provided by LeChase Construction Services)
The Strong disputes CSEA claim that unionizing led to teacher dismissals
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The union representing school districts and child care workers says two teachers at Woodbury School within The Strong Museum of Play were fired because they led efforts to unionize.
Officials at The Strong, however, say the efforts by two dismissed employees had nothing to do with union activities.
The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) alleges in a media advisory that Johanna Kapaan and Sarah Tubbs, “both highly respected educators,” were terminated during a unionization drive at The Strong “without a full and fair investigation.”
“Children are heartbroken, and Woodbury School parents are outraged,” the CSEA statement says. “This blatant act of union-busting has eroded parent trust in the safety and care of their children at the school.”
But a spokesperson for The Strong said “the decision to part ways followed a weeks-long investigation, which began before the museum received a petition for a representation election.”
The organization’s statement did not identify the dismissed employees but said “the museum was not aware of any union activities concerning these individuals during the investigation or at the time of termination. The museum respects the right of its employees to make an informed decision about unionization and remains committed to providing a stable, caring environment for its Woodbury School students and families.”
CSEA has a rally planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Rochester Labor Council headquarters at 30 N. Union St., about four blocks from The Strong.
With around 250,00 members, CSEA represents state, county, municipal, school district, childcare and private sector employees.
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