Teachers union out of touch with average worker

Milwaukee Teacher Steve Paske:

Regardless, I took the time to analyze the union proposal and came away with the same opinion I had before. As a rule, the MTEA uses its membership resources with gross inefficiency when it comes to garnering public support for the teaching profession.

Case in point: Several years ago, the union clashed with the School Board over suggested changes to the medical plan that would require teachers to pay a deductible and co-payment for services. As part of its strategy, it came up with the slogan "Attract and Retain" as the mantra for suggesting that these benefits cuts would not attract or retain quality teachers within the Milwaukee Public Schools.

Never mind that the board's benefits proposal was still better than 90% of the public's - those who pay our salary. The union engaged in a public relations disaster by sending members to the picket lines, thus alienating Joe Factory Worker who himself had a $1,000 deductible with 80% coverage despite belonging to a union.

Fast-forward to some of today's issues: providing a quality teacher in every classroom, eliminating the residency requirement and creating safety in schools. Let's look at how the union is approaching the issue of school safety.

More on Steve Paske. Joe Williams has more. Michael Rosen offers a different take.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at June 10, 2007 10:06 AM
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