Shaler Teachers Strike

[CollinsPC]

Anyone here affected by the strike? Teacher? Parent? Student?

Wife was supposed to start a one year substitute teaching position there, now we are kinda behind the 8 ball.

Just curious with the people on here in the area, who else is touched by it in some way?

[Fast Gypsy]

I've lived in Shaler for 45 years. I built a house in 1973 lot and all for $37,500. My school taxes are $4,100 and $800.00 for the county. I'm 73 years old on a fixed income and it's a struggle.The teachers union has a strangle hold on all of Pa. schools.I'm glad our school board is not caving in to their demands.The kids will be in school in 30 days and your wife will a job.

[CollinsPC]

She will have a job for a year after all is said and done, but the paycheck we were looking for now is going to be another month plus out. If the contracted teachers stay out the allowed time frame she will need to find other employment as we need the income, not her sitting at home while the teachers strike. She isn't in the Union and cant take advantage of the 700 per week interest free loan from the union.

I hear you that it is tough for people on fixed incomes, my Mom was paying more in taxes than the house payment in Penn Hills.

[Dan B.]

Randy....hope it all works out well for you in the end. I work in a union...and don't care for it. They take a fairshare from my check but lean a completely different direction from my political beliefs. I'd like to put up another building but the fear of how much higher it would raise my taxes it keeping me from doing it.....that sucks. I think some folks that rent forever have it figured out...pay the landlord and don't worry about a thing.

[CollinsPC]

Dan,

Thanks for the good wishes. We will be fine, just a pain in the ass dealing with it. The union and administration met again tonight and made "some" progress on the health benefits issue, will meet again Monday. Pisses me off, they should have their asses in negotiations everyday till they finalize something.

Looks like wifey will be looking elsewhere. She is bummed, all she wants to do is teach and with al the layoffs and hiring of residents and people who know someone it doesn't look good for her to get a teaching job. I hate to see it as she really likes doing it and would gladly do it for the wages being made now.