Tomorrow (March 11), the Center for Union Facts (CUF), under the direction of Rick Berman, is launching what the organization describes as "an unprecedented, $1 million advertising assault on teachers unions." CUF is airing commercials on CNN and Fox News, and buying full-page ads in the New York Times and USA Today. The attack ads will promote its campaign Web site,www.TeachersUnionExposed.com, which will be live on March 11. The campaign focuses on union actions in 20 school districts across the country (at this time, we do not know which school districts will be targeted), and includes distortions about tenure, claims that unions oppose worthwhile school reforms, and outright lies about what we do. The charges are vicious and outrageous.

Take ActionI encourage you to fight back by contacting the media outlets that have accepted Berman's advertising. Tell them why you support your union. Tell them the good things your union is doing. Tell them the real facts. Teachers are dedicated to helping children learn, and these ads only make that job more difficult.

It's important to know who's behind this campaign. According to Sourcewatch: "The Center for Union Facts is a secretive front group for individuals and industries opposed to union activities. It is part of lobbyist Rick Berman's family of front groups including the Employment Policies Institute." Berman is an ethically challenged attack dog. He 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 minimum wage increases as well as card-check. Berman has even waged a campaign against Mothers Against Drunk Driving. A 2006 USA Today article reported that his lobbying firm brings in $10 million per year for his work on ultra-conservative, anti-union clients and "only Berman and his bookkeeper/wife know for sure what he makes."

American Rights at Work has additional information about CUF and Berman.

Berman and others will stop at nothing in their attempt to fool the public into thinking there is a difference between teachers and teachers unions, but you know the truth. You are the union. Your voice needs to be heard.

Please take a minute to contact the media and share your viewpoint.

In Unity,

Edward J. McElroy