Work slowdown

The teachers' union in Stephanie's school district has called for a work slowdown starting Monday, March 29, the day after the New Albany-Floyd County Schools' spring break. Strikes by public school teachers are illegal in Indiana, and Stephanie and her colleagues have been working for the entire school year without a collectively bargained contract. One of the biggest sticking points between the school district and the union is the status of health insurance benefits for teachers, which the school district wants to cut. Stephanie and Vincent are on my health plan, instead of the school district's, but this would affect us more directly if ever I lost my job. The union has asked its members and other teachers not to engage in "voluntary activities" starting March 29. Stephanie brings work home occasionally and stays late regularly. She would not supposed to be doing either of these. Stephanie and most of the other teachers at her school belong to the union, and they have been wearing union T-shirts to school every Friday since early fall. The rapidly rising cost of health care and therefore health insurance premiums for employers and the slowing job market nationwide may combine to make things tough on the union. Ultimately, they may have to seek redress at the ballot box (by campaigning for more supportive school board members). (The immediate past principal of Stephanie's school is the state senator for the area, and the husband of the current principal is a City Council person.) The union communique targets the school superintendent, Dr. Brooks (pictured above right), who is appointed by the board, in particular.