Strikes for Teachers

[cmorris]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? KY

I will soon enter the world of elementary education. I do student teaching next semester. There is a lot of drama going on about health care, so I have a few questions. Here are the situations:

First, I heard from another student that it is illegal for teachers to go on strike...I disagree, but want an expert's opinion.

Second, I heard that a student teacher was FORCED to strike with the other teachers. The reasoning was that the student teacher has to do whatever the cooperating teacher says to do. Again, I disagree.

Thirdly, if any of the above is true, do non-tenured teachers have a choice?

I have heard a lot of differing opinions (claimed as fact). What do you all think?

 

[John/nyc]

In most states it is illegal for public employees to go on strike. If you are entering the PUBLIC education system, then you would be enjoined from striking.

Nobody can be forced to strike.

 

[JETX]

First, I heard from another student that it is illegal for teachers to go on strike...I disagree, but want an expert's opinion.

From the KEA (Kentucky Educators Association) website:
"Although there is no language in the statues making strikes by public employees illegal, court rulings have determined it so."
Source: http://www.kea.org/storage/0/Sept__25__Revision_of_Q_and_A_on_KEA_Board_Actions.htm

Second, I heard that a student teacher was FORCED to strike with the other teachers. The reasoning was that the student teacher has to do whatever the cooperating teacher says to do. Again, I disagree.

Since teacher strikes are not legal in Kentucky (see above), I doubt that a person could be FORCED to partake in an illegal activity.

Thirdly, if any of the above is true, do non-tenured teachers have a choice?

See above.

 

[cmorris]

Thank you JETX! There are a lot of problems with the new health care plan (starting next year), and on the news it was discussing that in general. The news stated the KEA was going to lead a strike for teachers. Then I heard a lot of other rumors, and just wanted to clarify before I do my student teaching in January. I haven't heard anything in the last couple of days about it on the news, though. Thanks!

 

[John/nyc]

From the KEA (Kentucky Educators Association) website:
"Although there is no language in the statues making strikes by public employees illegal, court rulings have determined it so."
Source: http://www.kea.org/storage/0/Sept__25__Revision_of_Q_and_A_on_KEA_Board_Actions.htm


Since teacher strikes are not legal in Kentucky (see above), I doubt that a person could be FORCED to partake in an illegal activity.


See above.

All true, as I indicated, only if the school is a PUBLIC institution. Private and parochial schools are not subject to the same rules.

 

[JETX]

All true, as I indicated, only if the school is a PUBLIC institution. Private and parochial schools are not subject to the same rules.

And it also wouldn't apply to schools located on Mars, Venus or Neptune.... which has about as much relevance as YOUR post!!
Get a life!! We can't eliminate or include EVERY possible scenario on this forum!!

 

[HomeGuru]

too funny. Beam me up Scotty.

 

[John/nyc]

You have 22,000 and 46,000 posts respectively and you tell ME to get a life?

The poster never indicated that it was a public system that he or she was entering.

The KEA can, and does, represent employees of non-public schools.

I indicated one highly probable scenario using 2 sentences.

 

[JETX]

You have 22,000 and 46,000 posts respectively and you tell ME to get a life?

Wow!! I am impressed. Not only can you read, but you apparently have managed to grasp the concept of numbers, too!! Damned impressive, huh??

The poster never indicated that it was a public system that he or she was entering.

Correct. And where did the poster give ANY indication that it wasn't a public school system??? And gee, since what, 95% plus of all school teachers are in the public sector.... what exactly gave you clue that this one wasnt'???

The KEA can, and does, represent employees of non-public schools.

And I am sure that if a group of teachers contacted them from Mars, they would probably accept their dues too.

I indicated one highly probable scenario using 2 sentences.

Possible?? Yes. Probable?? No. Highly Probable?? No way!!
Further proof that you really do need to get a life!!

 

[cmorris]

I mentioned this to my mother, who was in the public education system for 27 years before leaving the state. She thought strikes were legal. When I mentioned what was said here, she was unsure. She knows it has been done in the past...

I thought I heard the news wrong about the strike lead by KEA, but my mother still keeps up with the news and confirmed it.

I am going to a KEA conference tomorrow, so hopefully that can/will be addressed. I will update soon!

Thanks JETX and John for your responses.

 

[JETX]

I thought I heard the news wrong about the strike lead by KEA, but my mother still keeps up with the news and confirmed it.

I am going to a KEA conference tomorrow, so hopefully that can/will be addressed. I will update soon!

I tried to get some confirmation on the Mars, Venus and Neptune issue, but wasn't successful.

I did however find the following:
"KEA first asks local school boards for a good will, voluntary closing of schools on Monday, then threatens a second, extended interruption of learning by an illegal strike."
Source: http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/2004/09/21/news/opinion/9718323.htm

"Kentucky has a no-strike law for public employees."
Source: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/kentucky/7551732.htm

"It is illegal for school workers to strike in Kentucky."
http://www.courierjournal.com/localnews/2004/09/19ky/A1-strike0919-8512.html

And though from December 2003:
http://e-archives.ky.gov/Gov Patton/Dec_2003/src/gov.state.ky.us/legislativeinits/1998/feb12rat.htm

 

[cmorris]

JETX, you are great!

 

[JETX]

JETX, you are great!

Thank you... still looking for the statutes on Mars, Venus and Neptune though!!

Actually, I have found out that teacher strikes are allowed on Neptune, so we can forget that one!!

 

[John/nyc]

Weak responses! I'm not going to go with your baby sh*t! Grow up!

 

[cmorris]

Update

I went to the KEA meeting:

If the General Assembly does not improve the situation (Oct 5), a strike is planned for Oct 27, even though it is illegal. The KEA has about 30K members (including bus drivers, cooks, etc), so they feel a strike will have a severe impact. They feel we are being FORCED to strike, so it be up to the governor and General Assembly to explain all of the "whys." The presenters stated it was civil disobedience to get results.

I am interested in seeing how things turn out...