School districts across Pennsylvania are struggling to raise the revenue necessary to cover expenses and it promises to get even worse as the recession lingers. Many are hoping their teacher unions will agree to make contract concessions to cut expenses and stave off tax increases that will be ruinous in the current economic environment.
The response of James Testerman, president of the PSEA? Quoted in a Tribune Review article he said; "We expect contracts that are in place to be honored." How contemptuous of the plight of taxpayers. Testerman knows full well that school districts cannot furlough teachers unless there is a substantial drop in enrollment and even then it is difficult. So, while his union has the luxury of facing no layoffs, he can insist also that the pay or benefits be raised as the current contract provides.
Is there any wonder Pennsylvania is one of the slowest growing states in the nation? The attitude of the teacher unions and other public sector unions is completely out of touch with economic reality. They have the political clout to insulate themselves from market forces private sector employees must take into account.
But beyond the arrogance that comes from their control over the Legislature from whence their power derives, the attitude of the teacher union president is one of breathtaking coldness toward the public and taxpayers. The folks who pay their salaries are apparently viewed as adversaries for whom no respect is allowed.
And students must learn from these union teachers? What messages honor and decency are they receiving?
