The Demise of America‏

THE DEMISE OF AMERICA

In the beginning, because of working conditions and abuse by management came the birth of a new structure in the workforce called “unions”.  During this period of time, unions were established to protect the rights of workers and to ensure the workforce had a safe working environment.  The union bosses quickly learned they did not have to work to make a living instead the bosses left the work place and moved into offices.  The government recognized the need for unions and provided unions with rules and regulations to accomplish their mission of protecting workers and providing a safe environment for the workforce.  These changes were designed to keep America strong and productive.  The American workforce took pride in their work and made America the number one country in the world.

Once the union bosses realized how much power the government had giving them, the unions mission changed to greed and power.  Union bosses began destroying America with ridiculous demands to show their power.   As their membership grew, so did their hold on management.  It has gotten so bad management has to negotiate moving a trash can from one side of the room to the other side in order to tie up management and cost the company more money.  At this point the quality of work declined because workers now did not have to strive to improve themselves, just show up.

Unions now are a billion dollar business and have super powers.  These powers include influencing the Presidential Election, Congressional Elections and local elections.  Big business and unions elect our President and Congressional members not the people.  Unions are the demise of America. 

This is very clear in Lisbon.  The local Maine Education Association has negotiated a contract which cost the taxpayers of Lisbon approximate $250,000 dollars a year increase in teacher’s pay.   The contract mandates the school department to pay Level Increases in accordance with the chart below.  This means teachers receive level increases for just showing up and then there is the increase in base wages of 1.75% for this coming year.  These increases are not earned but rewards for being present.  Is there no wonder students cannot pass the National/State Exams when teachers do not have any standards to meet before receiving these increases.  Why are teachers not held accountable for their students passing National/State Exams?

Level and base wages increases are rewarding teacher for showing up and is not related to their performance.  This means there is a possibility of rewarding teachers for failure. 



 

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizens