Quote Originally Posted by Loki View Post
In practice, the unions always challenge these dismissals and get their way most of the time. The result is that teachers don't get fired except in instances of gross misconduct (of which this apparently isn't an example of).
I didn't even read the link, but demonizing unions isn't the best way to fix underlying problems. All that does is...well, demonize unions. It also shows how law-makers are "held captive" by special interest groups with tons of money and political clout.

It doesn't do much for improving public Education, let alone protecting anyone in the private sector facing discriminatory employment practices. Bashing teacher unions hasn't meant our legislators are required to apply the same legal employment standards across the board. It certainly hasn't translated into finding ways to attract/retain the best teachers or provide kids with a better education.

If anything, unions have been a driving force for exposing all sorts of issues that impact everyone. Equitable hiring/firing practices, safe work environments, defining a "professional" wage/salary, exchanging wages for healthcare or future retirement packages, employment contracts, mandatory retirements, etc.

Unions wouldn't have much influence over legislation if (A) legislators weren't so dependent on special interest group lobbying/funding, (B) all workers had anti-discriminatory protections, and (C) things like healthcare access and affordability couldn't be used as employment bargaining chips.