TACTICS

The teachers’ union operational model has been based largely on that of an industrial union.  Contracts dictate hours required to work, sometimes down to the minute.  Objectives in collective bargaining center on what is good for the adults—the employees—and not what is good for children—the “customers.”

Because there is an industrial union mindset, heavy-handed tactics seen outside automotive plants are often also seen outside the local school building.

Picketing.  Work-to-rule.  Media dramatics.

In many ways, what has occurred in Indianapolis is a microcosm of the fight—-and tactics-—used elsewhere in the state and across the country.

In January 2009, to protest the lack of a contract, the Indianapolis teachers’ union engaged in a two-week “slowdown.”  According to WISHTV, that meant they wouldn’t “be staying after school for student activities, or to grade papers.”  Not exactly an example of putting kids first.

During the “slowdown” union members filled a school board meeting, holding signs saying such things as “Show me the money."

A month later, in February 2009, union members picketing outside a school board meeting, explaining that they are in “mourning.”

"Fridays we wear black to show we are in mourning. We don't have a contract and we are only working -- what we call working -- to the contract. It means we only work our contract hours and we only do what is stated for us to do in the contract," said IPS teacher Rhondalyn Cornett, according to WISHTV.

Non-sensical priorities

When schools look to decrease their amount of teachers--whether because of declining enrollment or the need to balance a budget--it would make sense to keep the most productive, highest performing employees.

But not when ISTA or other teachers' unions are involved.  ISTA puts seniority above competency.

Schools routinely issue Reduction In Force notices, known as RIFs.  When this occurs, a district will literally print a list of staff, in order of seniority, and will begin cutting staff from the bottom.  Amount of education is irrelevant.  Work ethic doesn't matter.

ISTA has a document called "If You're RIF'd" in which the union advocates for the filing of grievances and suggests not dropping union membership.  As you can see here, they also focus on seniority:

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