They make outrageous demands on taxpayers to go back to their classrooms or even to continue teaching classes from the comfort of their homes.
There are plenty of accredited teachers in this world who have Internet connections. Without the personal contact between students and teachers, our kids would be better served with on-line subject experts from Germany, Kansas or Bangalore.
Are the unions going represent the best interests of teachers who have to take a job at Walmart and interact with a thousand adults a day instead of 20 kids in a school?
I'm a huge supporter of public education. The classroom experience provides critical interaction with peers where kids learn to socialize and establish community relationships. Absent that interpersonal experience, I'd rather my kids spend screen time with teachers who have real expertise in math, history, English, etc.
Fuck teachers unions. They are signing their own death warrants.
I've been to a few teacher's union meetings and it was entirely about political advocacy (i.e., call you representatives, here's how), and zero about ideas for how to be better educators.
I went to public school in a large county in VA. I moved to New England and my kids went to public school. The big difference is that we elect our school board at the town level. We know them personally.
When CNN has a "Town Hall Meeting", they do the actual event a major disservice. I've been to real Town Hall meetings arguing with School Board members and neighbors. The discussions sometimes continue at the local bar with a few beers.
Never cede the education of your children to Unions or "The State". Get involved. Your tax dollars are paying for your seat in the room.