As we have noted on several occasions, Pennsylvania leads the nation in teacher strikes and has done so for at least a decade accounting for over half of all such strikes in the country. One would think that in a recessionary environment, the number of strikes would fall dramatically or cease altogether. And they appear to have done so everywhere but in Allegheny County.
Two strikes this school year have already occurred, recently in Allegheny Valley and currently in Bethel Park. Moon district teachers have authorized a strike and appear on the verge of walking out. Teachers and their union heads have apparently decided that it is better to take the strikes in the fall rather than waiting until spring. Because of the 180 day instruction rule, the strikes typically cannot last as long once the holidays and spring break days are utilized. So, to inflict the longest possible torment on the community, it is far better for the unions to strike before Thanksgiving and certainly before Christmas.
But not to worry, no athletic events will be cancelled during the strike, revealing an ultimate truth. Parents and the community will put up with disruption of their lives and student education but they will not tolerate the cancellation of football games or band practice. Not even the teacher unions with all their political clout will take on the outrage that would come at them if a football game had to be forfeited.
Still, the greater point to be made here is the notion that since no other strikes have been launched this school year in Pennsylvania and since Pennsylvania is the strike capital of the nation, it is reasonable to conclude that Allegheny County is now the epicenter of teacher strikes in the U.S. and, excluding France and Greece, the world.
How wonderful to be the best at something.
