Teacher's unions may be good for teachers, but not so for students

My first teaching job was in a Spokane middle school. I was hired for one semester while an experienced teacher had both knees replaced. It was an interesting assignment. A week or so after I began, I was given notes for the kids to take home announcing an upcoming open house. I assumed I was included, so I showed up at the announced date and time to discover I was the only teacher there.

The principal informed me that this activity was not in the union contract, and teachers were not allowed to attend. As I was not a member of the union, it was decided I could stay and observe the proceedings...