Managing
Talent
Teachers Win over Unions and
State Government
Group 7
Case study summarize
In the fall of 2017, West Virginia teachers faced financial challenges, ranking
48th in pay among states. Proposed changes by the state government,
including charter school expansion and seniority-based hiring elimination,
heightened concerns. Teachers, represented by NEA and AFT, expressed
frustration on a Facebook group. Talks of a strike emerged, leading to
walkouts in seven counties. Governor Justice proposed minor concessions,
but teachers pressed for a statewide strike starting on February 22. Despite a
compromise package, the strike continued until March, when the governor
committed to fund the requested changes, signaling victory for the teachers.
The resolution involved potential expense cuts or new taxes for the state
government.
Question 1. In this situation, what would you describe as the goals
of management (the state government leaders), labor unions, and
society? Based on the information given, which goals do you think
were achieved?
The goals of management (the state government
leaders)
Expense management
Encouraging education reforms
The goals of the labor unions
Enhancing working conditions
Defending teachers' rights
The goals of the labor unions Enhancing working
conditions Defending teachers' rights
Ensuring quality education
Encouraging justice and equity
Based on the information given, it appears
that some goals were achieved:
The teachers' unions were able to
mobilize their members through the
creation of a Facebook group and
successfully organized walkouts in
several counties
Negotiations with the state government
and eventually resulted in a compromise
package that included a raise for
teachers
The desired changes to health insurance
were only temporarily frozen while
further study was conducted
Question 2. Do you think a strike was the
best way for the union to resolve its
differences with the state leadership? Why
or why not? What other options did the
teachers have?
1. Whether a strike was the best way for the
union to resolve its differences with the state
leadership is subjective and depends on
individual perspectives
2. The strike can be seen as an effective
strategy because:
Brought attention to the teachers' grievances and
put pressure on the state government
Garnered widespread support and mobilized
teachers across the state
By disrupting the normal functioning of schools,
the strike drew public attention to the issues
However, some may argue that a strike should be a
last resort, as:
It can have negative consequences for students
and their families
It can also strain relationships between teachers
and the government
3. Teachers had other options to address their
concerns before resorting to a strike:
They could have engaged in traditional methods of
advocacy
These actions could have aimed to build public
support, apply pressure on policymakers, and engage
in constructive dialogue to find a resolution
Teachers could have pursued legal avenues, such as
filing lawsuits or grievances, to challenge the proposed
changes
Thank you
very much!
