Why the teachers’ unions rule

Persuasion

Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s teacher-friendly Premier, has some explaining to do. Why has her government been slipping secret payments to teachers’ unions to cover their bargaining costs with the province? Surely, the millions and millions the unions collect in member dues should be sufficient. Could it be a token of appreciation for all the money the unions have contributed to help the Liberals get re-elected? Just asking.

One thing we do know. Despite the drama and the posturing that accompany each round of bargaining, the teachers’ unions have made out like bandits. That’s because the relationship between the government and the unions is deeply incestuous. The government needs the teachers’ support and is unwilling to seriously challenge them at bargaining time. As a result, the teachers are the most privileged public-sector workers in Ontario, as well as in many other provinces.

Can we afford it? The answer is no.

Try this question on your friends. What’s a fair salary for a fourth-grade teacher? Think of someone with about 10 years’ experience who works standard teacher’s hours, and has lots of paid preparation time, good benefits, job security and summers off. Does $94,707 sound about right? That’s what elementary teachers at the top of the scale make at the Toronto District School Board.  (more...)

Why the teachers’ unions rule