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| (Photo taken from public domain) |
The public school teachers in the state of West Virginia are currently striking over low pay, and reduced insurance benefits. This act of protest is occurring in all 55 counties, affecting the entire state. So not only are teachers not working, but our children are not being educated - something that we, the taxpayers, are funding, regardless of whether or not the teachers decide to work. Does anyone like paying for something they're not getting? I don't.
The majority of teachers probably deserve a raise, and insurance is expensive. We all want more money and more benefits. But this situation is different.
When these people chose this career path, I can't imagine they didn't understand the rate of pay. I also can't imagine that they don't understand where that money comes from - me, and every other taxpaying citizen in WV (um, this includes the teachers also).
So it isn't like you can just expect the state to pony up some extra money. That has to come from somewhere. Remember, the state doesn't make money - it can only spend what we pay it.
So in order to increase teacher's pay and benefits, that means that taxes have to go up. Which translates to I/we must pay more taxes. Even the teachers that are fighting for increases will be paying for that out of their own pockets.
Does no one besides me see this as a problem?
Now, let's talk about public employees striking, or strong arming, to get their way.
For those of us in the private sector (translated not paid by taxpayer monies), we want raises and increased benefits too. And I have a couple of options to get it. I can: work harder/longer, find another job, change careers). What I can't do is tell my employer that until he pays me more, I'm just not going to do anything. He will simply send me on my way, wish me luck, and hire the next guy who'd love to have my job and get on with business.
These teachers would do well to remember that striking and holding companies hostage for increased benefits is exactly what killed the coal mining industry in the very state that they live and work in.
