National Public Radio ran a story about a labor union dispute affecting the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan.

The tribe is trying to stop teachers at a charter school on the reservation from organizing with the National Education Association. Chairman Aaron Payment says allowing the union would be an erosion of sovereignty. It could also lead to unions at the casino.

But teachers at Bahweting School, which is part of the state system, say they need the union for job security. A Chippewa language teacher who helped organize the effort cited a high turnover rate. Teachers have been without a contract for a year.

Get the Story:
Indian School Case May Affect Casino Labor Policies (National Public Radio 12/5)

Relevant Links:
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians - http://www.sootribe.org
Sault Tribe Times, independent site - http://www.saulttribetimes.com

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Sault Tribe members bar ex-officials from office (01/27)
Sault Tribe chairman fights union effort at school (11/02)
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe sues former chairman (08/16)
New Soo Tribe chairman banishes predecessor (07/12)
Controversies continue after Soo Tribe election (07/01)
Michigan paper blasted for endorsing tribal chair (06/11)
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