This week the Michigan Education Association encouraged its local affiliates to consider whether the union should have the power to consider “job actions” – code words for a sick-out, strike, or other childish antics – to get its way in Lansing.
While MEA President Iris Salters and her hefty six-figure salary wouldn’t suffer if teachers chose not show up for class, the union’s proposed “job actions” would put Michigan teachers at risk of losing their jobs if school districts made the appropriate decision to terminate those who refuse to come to work.
Does Salters view the state’s hard-working teachers as mere pawns in the union’s power game?
There is no doubt that Michigan is in a perilous situation, and if a good education is key to fixing the state’s problems – as the MEA claims – it would make much more sense to put the needs of students first, and avoid the foolish games.
On the other hand, a strike in some the state’s worst districts could finally provide the motivation for parents pull their kids from failing schools, and enroll them in schools that put their needs ahead of the MEA’s special interests.
The MEA’s agenda of unrestricted collective bargaining, iron-clad tenure protections and strict “last in-first out” seniority policies is as outdated as powdered wigs. But one question remains: how hard will the MEA push – and what kinds of radical “job actions” will it resort to – in order to protect its power, influence and, of course, its prized cash cow – MESSA.
This idea of a statewide strike as an opportunity to separate the wheat from the chaff. Parents and taxpayers could learn a lot – including which teachers are truly committed to educating, preparing and inspiring the state’s students. That’s because those who are more interested in looking out for themselves will be found marching on the steps of the Capitol in solidarity with Ms. Salters.