Quote:
Originally Posted by Aramike
The behavior of these teachers has been nothing short of despicable.
Perhaps they could have argued for why collective bargaining should be maintained in their case - until they were stupid enough to PROVE why it shouldn't be by calling in sick en masse. And their protest antics show a clear lack of judgement.
They are going to lose this fight, partially because they have only steeled the resolve of those who were shakey in opposition to begin with. I personally have no problem with teachers in general. However, teachers in Wisconsin are HIGHLY compensated and have turned out a failing school system all the while having nearly 100% job protection.
The unions have stuck us taxpayers in the unenviable position of having a problem that we are not ALLOWED to fix. This is why most collective bargaining must go.
Most people nationwide don't understand what's going on here. This isn't about benefits - the teachers are ceding that point. This isn't about collective bargaining ... not really. The unions are decieving these idiots into thinking it is, but it really isn't. The unions are ceding to practically all of the demands that we would have bargained for in the first place.
This is about one simple thing: union money. Money. For the unions.
Walker's bill actually allows for collective bargaining to remain in place as a mirror of the private sector. When a private sector employee prospect is offered a job, salary is often negotiable but benefit plans are generally set in place. Walker is merely proposing the exact same thing.
However, what the unions don't like is that Walker wants union membership to be completely optional (without fair-share rules which requires those who opt out of the union to pay the union dues regardless) and for union dues to no longer be automatically deducted from employees' paychecks.
So, those of you in support of these teachers, don't try to bitch and moan about rights. What about the rights of the employee to say no to the unions and not pay them? Why should employees be forced to pay the unions, who substantially donate to ONE political party out of those dues, effectively compelling that employee to donate to something which may be in opposition to their views?
And why should the taxpayer face an indirect tax on each government employee via union membership, meaning that a percentage of TAX dollars go to the unions which may oppose our views?
Freedom is specifically what the unions are against! They are still allowed to bargain, members can still pay their dues, etc. But they are afraid that such a freedom to opt-out and the freedom to write a check - or not - will affect their bottom line. Ergo, the insane rhetoric followed by concessions to EVERYTHING Walker is proposing, EXCEPT that which affects the unions.
These teachers and state employees work for the taxpayers. If they choose to not work, they need to go. Considering the economy and their lavish benefits and more than competitive wages, those positions won't be hard to fill.
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The unions aren't deceiving anyone, and the teachers are not idiots. The teachers do what they have to do to survive. By that, I am refering to the state of affairs in education. We live in a culture that demonizes educators, and yet places the unreasonable and impossible demand of raising children. Teachers have become surrogate parents because their parents are uninterested in acting in this role. This is not something that is found in only one income bracket; I have seen numerous students come to school unkempt and unfed by parents who can clearly afford to do so.
What's more, parents now sending the conflicting message in that they expect that their child will not be held accountable for their behavior and academic performance. Students are rarely suspended from school anymore, and are almost always passed on to the next grade level, regardless of demonstrated ability. Attempting to take a stand on this sort of matter results in a hell of a mess from the parents, which frequently includes legal action. This is where the union steps in. The teachers need that legal protection. But the union wants what it wants as well; it wants those teachers on the picket line, at the rally, making the testimonial. Those that do not comply simply do not see the level of effort made by the union. This I have seen first hand.
So, if you want to trash the teachers unions, I am fine with that. I've done so myself. However, you should keep in mind that most of those teachers have been compelled to be involved in this before you begin to wish them harm.