Rich DeColibus on SB 5 and teachers unions

From Rich DeColibus, September 13, 2011

SB 5 is a pretty appalling attempt of Ohio Republicans to eliminate unions because unions seldom endorse Republicans (who usually wallow happily in management rights). This law has nothing to do with good government, finances or intelligent public policy, and everything to do with "How can we make our reelections easier?" But, it goes beyond the pale, attempting not to defeat opponents one disagrees with, but, rather, attempting to destroy public unions outright.

I was president of a teacher's union in Ohio [Cleveland Teachers Union] and the facts are no teacher in Ohio is forced to belong to any teacher union, although they do have to pay a fee for the services the union must, by law, render them. Does anyone believe teacher unions wouldn't love to have the right to pick and choose who is in their bargaining unit (a different population from union membership)? We don't have that right, nor should we; the way it is now is the fairest. The individuals who don't want to pay "fair share" fees (and these are fees for service, not dues) are simply trying to ride the bus without paying the fare.

Furthermore, any teacher who thinks s/he can bargain better individually with a Board of Education than being represented by a union is a total fool. Negotiations are about power, and single individuals have zero when matched up with a Board of Education. Why do you think unions developed in the first place?