Which Way, L.A.?
Can LA Unified and Unionized Teachers Just Get Along?
With schools laying off teachers in record numbers nationwide, Education Secretary Arne Duncan says administrators and union leaders must get along. But in Los Angeles, that may not happen. The teachers' union, UTLA, plans to appeal a court ruling that spares troubled schools from the principle of "last hired, first fired." Is it a way to keep the best young teachers or a way to save money by getting rid of the most experienced and most expensive? We hear from the new Superintendent, union leaders and a parent-activist. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, Wisconsin and the rights of government employees.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenWith schools laying off teachers in record numbers nationwide, Education Secretary Arne Duncan says administrators and union leaders must get along. But in Los Angeles, that may not happen. The teachers' union, UTLA, plans to appeal a court ruling that spares troubled schools from the principle of "last hired, first fired." Is it a way to keep the best young teachers on board or a way to save money by getting rid of the most experienced and most expensive? We hear from the new Superintendent, union leaders and a parent-activist. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, in Wisconsin, the dispute continues between a new Republican Governor and almost all public workers. Will it spread to other states? Is it part of a national campaign to prevent government employees from forming unions?
In this episode
2 storiesThe State of LA's Public Schools
President Obama's Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, told a recent labor-management conference that, in these very tough economic times, school districts and teachers' unions can solve problems best by working together. In Los Angeles, that idea may be facing a major test.
Read the story26 minWisconsin and the Rights of Government Employees
Wisconsin's public employee unions say they've agreed to Republican Governor Scott Walker's proposed increases in pension and healthcare contributions. But they're into the second week of protests over his demand that collective bargaining rights be limited.
Read the story26 min
