The teacher’s unions won, at least in the Puget Sound area; most districts are not returning to the classroom in any material way. Based on the teachers I know, I’d say the union protected the 20% (it’s always the 80-20 rule, isn’t it) of teachers who took advantage of the situation. All the teachers I know are working harder than ever teaching remotely.
I am not anti-union. My wife was in a union for 10 years. My son is a project manager with a union construction company. But there’s a reason almost every business buyer I’ve ever met tells me they want a non-union business. They want to be in control. In most cases, they want the flexibility to treat their people better than what the union would. And to reward those who excel. The teachers I know the best would make a lot more money if there was merit pay. Just like in business, do well and you’re rewarded.
