There is a growing need for workers to have excellent oral and written communication skills and to have the ability to articulate new ideas and thoughts as part of a group. Despite this growing need, few frontline workers receive any education benefits from their employers. In my own industry, yesterday's telephone worker has become today's communication specialist. Government figures show that in 1998 more than 32 percent of craft workers have had some college experience or have graduated, compared with 23 percent in 1985. Our focus on adult education in no way diminishes the need for a strong public education system.
Public education opens the doors of opportunity to all, no matter wealth, status or privilege.
Public education insures that all children have equal access to the same teachers, books, instruction, dreams and hopes. But adult learners face special challenges and needs that are largely unanswered by current government policies and employment practices. I have made it a personal mission, as well as a goal of my union, to bridge the gaps in adult education. Through our collective bargaining, we have worked with our employers to develop a wide range of educational programs and benefits for CWA members. They can receive fully paid tuition to train for new jobs in the company or to prepare themselves for entirely new careers outside the company or they can learn simply for self-fulfillment and personal growth.