Don Brunell blames teacher unions for everything from child abuse to the failing of America to care for the poor and disenfranchised (“Unions, schools and students,” Aug. 8 Kent Reporter opinion page.)
Unions are a vital part of our society protecting our workers and negotiating fair contracts. Unions are the last bastion of the middle class. They negotiate the pay of the lower and middle class. It is unions that demanded health care benefits for members.
Unions brought you the weekend. Unions are also responsible for sick leave, shared leave, and what the American courts call “just cause.” Unions demand that firings must be fair and just and not the whim of an administrator or supervisor who doesn’t like you, your politics, your lifestyle or your hair style.
Police, firemen, commercial food workers, nurses, engineers, plumbers and pipefitters, truck drivers, sheet metal workers all have unions.
With the impact of global trade, our country must have a highly qualified work force. We know education is the key to the future. The teacher unions are fighting for a quality education for every student.
Children are the future. We need to prepare them. And they will need unions to protect them when they begin their task.
Theresa M. Turner
Covington
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