Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers, on
Richard Berman’s Anti-Teacher Advertising Campaign

The misnamed Center for Union Facts, an anti-union front group run by lobbyist Richard Berman, has announced the launch of a new “assault” on teachers that will include television and newspaper advertising.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It is not surprising that the person behind these attacks on teachers is Rick Berman, an ethically challenged attack dog. Berman is a shameless lobbyist who has shilled for pesticide, alcohol and tobacco companies. He has lobbied against the Americans with Disabilities Act, against checkpoints to catch drunk drivers and against increasing the minimum wage. He has even waged a campaign hostile to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Berman has a record of using hidden funders to attack groups that contribute a great deal to society. Now he is coming after teachers at a time when most Americans support education and want to make improving education a top national priority. Teachers and the public deserve to know which businesses are bankrolling Berman’s despicable tactics, but he is too much of a coward to reveal the source of his funding.

The American Federation of Teachers has been a longtime advocate for sound, commonsense public education policies, including high academic and conduct standards for students, and greater professionalism for teachers and school staff. AFT locals embrace education reforms—when they are done in a way that improves teaching and learning.

These are the facts about teachers and the AFT. An ad campaign, no matter how well funded and outrageous, cannot change the facts.

# # # #