StopTeacherStrikes.com
by Joe?Pulcinella
Just got a email from a great web resource (StopTeacherStrikes.com) that I didn't even know existed. And boy, are they pissed at the teachers' unions in Pennsylvania! I love it! And bear in mind that this guy's not yet able to vote in the U.S. - he's a aBrit who is a permanent resident here. Talk about taxation without representation! Didn't we fight a war over that?
Pennsylvania is the teacher strike "capital" of the United States. In 2004, there were 8 school strikes in all the other 49 states combined. In Pennsylvania alone, there were 12 strikes.? Pennsylvania is one of only 9 nine states in the U.S. that allow teachers to go on strike - 41 other states do not. Children should have a right to receive a strike-free education from public tax dollars. A private un-elected union should not have a right to use strikes as a negotiating tactic in contract discussions. Taxpayers are paying for these contracts! Binding arbitration is not the answer.
Not sure if I agree with any solution that doesn't call for the abolition of government schools but if anyone is willing to hassle politicians, I won't stand in his way. Anyway, I plan on adding them to my list of important sites along with PA Clean Sweep. I never thought I'd say this but I'm actually starting to look forward to the elections this year!
Comments
I should have been clearer - repeal ALL Federal labor legislation - Railway Act. Wagner Act, Davis-Bacon, Norris LaGuardia, National Labor Relations Act, OSHA, tax-advantaged health insurance & pensions, unemployment compensation, Social Sacurity & Medicare, all of it. Repealing one piece won't make much difference.
How can a repeal of an "act" of congress, Wagner or otherwise, hurt anyone except to take away an unfair advantage?
The problem with a simple Wagner Act repeal is that it would disadvantage unions without restoring their ability to resume their original functions as benevolent associations. The screwed-up benefit environment is one aspect that would kill them off without returning to them the ability to truly serve their members. Sure, it's doubtful that much of the current labor leadership has any interest in voluntary, benevolent advocacy for workers, but I'm sure there are plenty of rank-and-file members who would pick it up if they could.
Again I say, repeal the Wagner Act and then we'll be closer to a level playing field with the unions. Then we'll see how long they last.
What, exactly is a strike, anyway? It is two things - a stoppage of work, nominally grounds for dismissal (or at least a talking-to), and an occupation or restrictionof the owners' property (if a union employer, the employer is also prevented from firing the workers). How can this ever square with property rights?
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