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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

NWPE doesn’t earn members

Regarding “Union should earn their members (July 12)”:

A few educators were persuaded by Cindy Omlin of Northwest Professional Educators to opt-out of union membership and joined her organization as agency-fee payers. How does NWPE earn its members?

1. NWPE does not bargain with school districts for wages, benefits and working conditions. NWPE rides the coattail of union-bargained collective agreements.

2. NWPE members still pay a fee to NWPE with limited benefits.

3. When some NWPE members run into conflicts with management and need representation, who do they call? These agency-fee payers usually call the union and ask for union representation.

Who has earned their members: teachers unions or NWPE?

Kim Plemons

Spokane

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