Protests In Wisconsin

[Beryana]

when unions pay for the buses and over 40% of a school district's teachers (Madison to be precise) call in 'sick' and force the closure of the district for 2 days (probably more), that I have a problem with. I feel there is a time and a place for unions (and I have been a member of two different unions). If private school teachers were to pull that (calling in sick enmass to close schools, etc) they would be fired. Public school teachers might get a slap on the wrist. How is walking off your job so you can protest having to pay more of your health insurance premium and contribute to your retirement account the best interest of your students? Gov. Walker has the National Guard on alert in case the prison guards decide to have a 'sick-in'.

Yes, I have read the entire bill (it's on the state legislature website) and I do approve of it for the betterment of the state. HOWEVER, I am represented by one of the Senators who decided to flee to Rockford, IL (Clock Tower Resort to be specific). She will eventually vote against this bill, which is fine because MOST of the people in this area work in union jobs (paper mills, teachers, city and county employees, University employees, nurses, etc). THAT is our democracy (and no, I didn't vote for her for state senate or her failed attempt this past November for a Congressional seat).

[ThetaDancer]

Originally Posted by Beryana

when unions pay for the buses and over 40% of a school district's teachers (Madison to be precise) call in 'sick' and force the closure of the district for 2 days (probably more), that I have a problem with. I feel there is a time and a place for unions (and I have been a member of two different unions). If private school teachers were to pull that (calling in sick enmass to close schools, etc) they would be fired. Public school teachers might get a slap on the wrist. How is walking off your job so you can protest having to pay more of your health insurance premium and contribute to your retirement account the best interest of your students? Gov. Walker has the National Guard on alert in case the prison guards decide to have a 'sick-in'.

Yes, I have read the entire bill (it's on the state legislature website) and I do approve of it for the betterment of the state. HOWEVER, I am represented by one of the Senators who decided to flee to Rockford, IL (Clock Tower Resort to be specific). She will eventually vote against this bill, which is fine because MOST of the people in this area work in union jobs (paper mills, teachers, city and county employees, University employees, nurses, etc). THAT is our democracy (and no, I didn't vote for her for state senate or her failed attempt this past November for a Congressional seat).

The Madison (to be precise) School District chose to close down, as a district. This was announced to parents and students in advance. The way you describe it makes it seem like teachers just didn't show up, but really the district (and I think at least 16 others in the state) intentionally cancelled school.