November 13, 2008
…again. I should just leave it here in school. Maybe pinned to my classroom door.
I’ve expressed some skepticism about the usefulness of teacher unions previously, but our union’s current negotiations– or lack thereof– have moved beyond my philosophical quandaries. Well into our second year without a contract, I am appalled by the inability of our district to resolve the issues on the table in any kind of timely way. If we were auto workers, we would have been on the picket line months ago.
As it is, we are bound by a no-strike clause… and I have now become so ambivalent about this provision that it is almost physically painful.
I never thought I would even entertain the thought of a walk out. I hate it. It feels like sacrificing my students’ well-being for my own. And yet when teachers’ negotiating power has been exhausted in the face of genuine injustice, what is there left to do? When an indifferent district can rely on– dare I say abuse?– our assured presence in the classroom, what incentive do they have to work with our union quickly to address our needs?
There are ways to strike without striking, of course, and such last resort approaches are being discussed. But these days, I truly wonder if it’s enough.
Help me out, readers.
Some Billy Bragg, anyone?
13-there-is-power-in-a-union-lp-version
November 14th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I don’t know what you’re striking for? (not saying I disagree, I just don’t know)
I feel that being a caring person weakens my position in situations like this. I’m committed to my co-workers and my district, I want them to succeed, and I want to be here to help. In business terms, it raises the cost of switching. I’ve thought before about what it would take to lure me to another district, and decided I won’t really even consider anything less than increased control over my area/freedom to make decisions (possibly supervisory) and a 25% raise. I enjoy my working environment now, even with its flaws, and I don’t want to risk ending up with a jerk for a boss.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I understand, Dave. My working environment on the whole is an oasis of caring and intelligence, which is another reason striking makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I would be loathe to threaten the good working conditions I do have, or give the impression that I am ungrateful. And yet…and yet.
I am being intentionally vague about the contract because we are still technically in negotiations. My main point, though, is that independent of what the union is asking for, to have the process dragged out this long is outrageous. And I think I am finally becoming outraged.