Teachers, what good have your unions been?

Question

I'm always hearing complaints from teachers about their pay and raises and benefits ... does that mean the unions haven't done their jobs?

Answer 1

My union is wonderful.  Any time there is a question or concern that effects how I teach, my union rep is there.  If there is a question about a contract issue, my union rep is there.  If I am concerned about a comment that was said that could jeopardize my job, my union rep is there.

As a teacher, I will never complain about my union dues, because I know that if something were to happen to me and my job, my union would be there to support me.

Trust me.

Answer 2

states have done a great job of stripping unions of their power. many states enact "right to work" clauses in the constitutions that basically forbids public employees from going on strike. and without the threat of a work stoppage what leverage does a union have?

not only has my union proved inept at negotiating (we barely get cost of living raises) they do not support teachers in confrontations with administration. they almost always side with admin or they remain non-committal on issues which basically allows admin to run wild.

i quit my union and joined a national one that basically gives me legal protection but they do not negotiate a separate contract. because of that i can't really complain about the contracts we get but they weren't doing anything when i was a member and at least this way i save $50 a month in union dues.

Answer 3

When I taught briefly as a second career, at first I declined to join the union.  

Then the union rep came to see me.

Asked me why?  I said I did not want to help fund an organization with which I mostly if not entirely disagreed with politically.

The rep said: Here is why you need to join.  "If you ever get sued, the union will protect you.  Do you think teachers never get falsely accused of wrong-doing?  That can ruin not only your career but your life."  Not sure if that was a veiled threat but I signed up right then and there.

The lion's share of the money in public education goes to the bureaucracy not to teachers.