This is a link to an article about health insurance in a school district in Wisconsin. The teachers were asked to switch from the Union-sponsored health plan to a large, independent provider with the same copays and coverage. The cost savings was in the millions per year. The teachers union voted to keep the Union-sponsored health plan and lay off 40 teachers. Odd, odd, odd http://www.wpri.org/Commentary/2006/June06/NiWE6.26.06.pdf
Unions, by and large, are self-serving organzations. The management in the unions rarely suffer when the rank-and-file workers are told to strike and surely have a self-interest which needs to be taken into consideration.
Union sues DOE If you think that is bad, the teachers here in Florida are suing DOE and legislators over perfomance pay. Since I am a teacher in the union...I and many others totally disagree with this plan. JAY Union sues to block teacher performance pay program http://www.sun-herald.com/Newsstory.cfm?pubdate=121406&story=ew7.htm&folder=NewsArchive2
Well, if union management is not suffering, then we can conclude that: (a) the union rank and file don't think union management needs to suffer; or (b) the union rank and file are too lazy to make union management suffer; or (c) other, please specify.
Not a fan, but still ... As one who taught HS in a large urban school district, I concur with the sentiment that the union (today) is largely a self-perpetuating entity. Never ceased to amaze me that the union "leadership" were usually people who taught for maybe a minute and then got a job that paid 3 - 10x what a teacher would make. On the other hand, without protections the unions (past) secured, teachers would still be making fast-food wages and could be dismissed because of a disgruntled student. Can't seem to win for losing!
