DETROIT’S TURN TO BE VIOLATED
The Detroit teachers have now been told that despite their contract, their pay will be slashed by 10% and they will have to contribute 25 % of the cost of their health care premiums. It will be interesting to see how the Detroit teachers respond to this. Once again a contract means nothing and teachers are expected to meekly go along with whatever is thrown their way.
I have yet to hear about any large group of teachers going on strike over these contract violations. If anyone has news of such a strike, please let me know. There must be a great number of teachers who believe that they are lucky enough just to have a job in this economy and understand that they must help sacrifice during these times of government deficits. If that’s the case, I think these teachers are undermining the teaching profession and underestimating the importance of their occupation.
Politicians and education reformers constantly remind us of the incredible importance of teachers in the education of a child. They scream about getting rid of incompetent teachers because nothing is more important than the children, and teaching is one of the most important jobs in the world.
I can’t help but wonder what would be happening to teachers these days if teaching wasn’t considered one of the most important jobs. Maybe most teachers would be expected to take a 50% pay cut and fund all of their own pension and health insurance premiums. The way things are going, the “incompetent teachers” who lose their jobs are probably going to be thankful they were pushed out. At least they will have an opportunity to find a job that’s less important than teaching. That way they might have a work contract that their employer will actually honor.
Detroit teachers are outraged, indeed. However as I’m sure you’re aware Michigan law makes teacher strikes a crime. Should the Detroit Federation of Teachers decide to go out on strike (and I have been assured it is being considered) the consequences for individual members will most likely be severe and it could possible mean the end of our union. Michigan laws have been reformed quite drastically in the last 6 months to the detriment of unions and collective bargaining. The economy in Michigan is devastated and for many if not most teachers in Detroit, their paycheck is the only source of support for their families. There are no prospects for other employment if you are fined or fired for striking. The political climate is definitely anit-teacher and there is little sympathy as everyone in the state is suffering. For now the DFT has filed lawsuits to stop the actions of the Emergency Manager and the EM law.
CathyB
August 8, 2011 at 2:58 pm