Union Leaders Whine That It Guts Their Power
Many who advocate for reform in the nation’s public schools talk often about how the teachers’ unions stand in the way of any real, effective changes in the schools. Many times, when reforms are suggested, either the American Federation of Teachers or the National Education Association leaders shout and cry about how the reforms will “destroy” public schools.
Whenever there is a push to allow parents to get a tax break for funding their child’s education in a private or charter school, you will find the AFT’s Randi Weingarten or the NEA’s Becky Pringle running to a microphone to shout angrily that parents shouldn’t have the right to choose their child’s school over the public schools. They forget that parents who send their children to private schools STILL pay taxes that support public schools. That doesn’t matter to them. They’re scared of competition. They like their monopoly on the education system in this country.
And let’s not forget the hundreds of MILLIONS that the unions donate to preferred candidates, 98% of whom are Democrat. All while their membership pays dues and never get a say in who the union endorses or if the union should have the right to negotiate contracts for them.
That’s about to end in Florida, and the union squealing can be heard across the county.
Florida Senate Bill 1296 changes the rules for public sector labor unions, requiring that at least 50% of all employees in a bargaining unit must vote to re-certify the union. Furthermore, the union must secure more than 50% support from those voting, a shift from the current system where only majority support among those who voted is needed.
In other words, public‑sector unions must now show support from at least 50% of all employees in the bargaining unit, not just a majority of those who vote. If a union fails to meet this threshold, it loses certification and can no longer represent workers.
This change makes recertification much harder for these unions. The bill requires more oversight of unions and their elections. There is a built-in exemption for police and firefighter unions.
Union bosses, who are used to being the big dogs on the block, are furious. AFT President Randi Weingarten says this is an attempt to “defund and dismantle” the teachers’ unions. For once, she is right.
Many people, including teachers, are tired of the stranglehold the teachers’ unions have over the public school system. Many teachers complain about candidate endorsements which are made by a small percent of the union members in a state or across the country. These members state that “we have never been asked about who to endorse.” Also, many of these members are Conservatives who are tired of seeing their dues fund left wing candidates and causes.
Members also don’t like the exorbitant salaries union executives make. Weingarten makes between $500,000-$600, 000 a year. Pringle makes approximately $400,000 to $500,000 a year. Both unions have over 400 upper-level employees each that make over six figures, well over the average teacher’s salary. Yet these members are told they MUST belong or support the unions, or they will lose their jobs or be targeted.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis calls the bill a “huge win” for holding partisan unions accountable. He will sign the bill. He responded to critics of the bill on “X:”
Now that Florida has taken this step, perhaps other states can follow suit and neuter the power of these monolithic, ultra- partisan, destructive unions.
DeSantis applauds passage of Florida House bill that reshapes teachers union rules
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-Jan Greenhawk
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