There might not be a greater advocate of labor unions and them having a right to strike than me. The pressure on union members and management created by a strike is a vital element of the collective bargaining process. But, when a teachers’ union strikes a school district in this state, all the pressure to settle is on the district because the teachers risk nothing by striking. No matter how many days they strike, they are going to get paid for 180 days of work because it’s a state law.
It would be interesting to know how many of the striking Marysville teachers would be as adamant in their demands if they were losing a day’s pay for every day they are out. Won’t happen, though, as long as the district has to keep school doors closed during a strike and the state maintains its 180-day rule.
Edmonds
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