Things get tricky, though, when the substitute asks for more information or informs the caller that he or she needs the work and will likely not be willing to honor their illegal picket lines.

The teachers approached for this article each confirm that the callers decline to give their names and only repeat the claim that he or she is a "Grand Rapids Public School teacher."  

When the caller is informed that an illegal picket line will not be honored the caller insists that the line must be honored and suggests, not too subtly, that crossing the line will not be appreciated.  The fact that they are calling the substitute teachers at their homes speaks plainly to the fact that the GREA knows who they are and where they live.  

The implicit threat... if you ever hope to work in our schools full-time you'll tow the union line.

After receiving word of the telephone campaign PESG issued a letter to each of their substitutes addressing the situation and the potential need for their valuable services.  The Executive Director of Human Resources writes:

Dear Substitute/Guest Teacher,

In light of recent reports of a communication by the GREA to some of you, I write on behalf of the District and PESG.

First, please know that the District and PESG very much appreciates and values the services you provide to our  schools and students. We also want to assure you that the District or PESG has not knowingly allowed your home addresses to be viewed by users of the AESOP system. This summer, we took action to protect your personal information from access by individuals who did not have legitimate business reason to have such access. The District and PESG have worked together to remove your phone numbers from being viewed on the AESOP system. We have also worked together to insure there will be no unauthorized or inappropriate system access and have taken the necessary steps on our end to maintain the integrity of the system.  If you are aware of problems, please let PESG know so the District can work with your employer to address your concerns.

Second, we regret that you are being asked to be involved in a dispute to which you are not a party. You have the legal right to work in our schools, if requested by the District through its provider, PESG.   In the unfortunate event that some District employees choose to knowingly engage in illegal conduct, the District will take appropriate steps to deal with those unlawful behaviors. We will not tolerate conduct by adults who model illegal behavior for our students.

You are not obligated to follow others who may choose to engage in an illegal job action. You should not be threatened or coerced to forsake opportunities for employment. In the event of an illegal strike, the District will rely, in part, on you to maintain an educational program for our students, and we appreciate your continued dedication to our students and our schools.

Meanwhile, the District continues to work towards a collaborative solution to the differences we have with the GREA while maintaining our responsibility to fiscal integrity. Recent events in our financial markets certainly demonstrate the importance of sound fiscal management and making sure we live within our means as a District.

PESG has sent out previous communication to each of you, they will conduct business as usual to support the District, and maintain an educational program for our students.

At all times, our top priority and focus is the 19,000+ students who are counting on our schools for their education. We thank you again for your continuing efforts to assist the District in achieving this goal.

Sincerely,

Fredericka Williams

While those questions remain, one thing has become very clear.  The Grand Rapids Education Association is ramping up their preparations for an illegal teacher strike and the moment they walk out, west Michigan kids will pay the price.