Student Unions

[Celtic_0ne]

this is more of a curiosity question due to the fact i could not generate enough support when i tried, but if i were to create a student union at my school would it conflict with the teachers union? I am curious to see where this discussion will go.

[Ethics Gradient, Traitor For All Ages]

Probably. The rank and file teachers may not have strong opinions one way or the other, but the bureaucrats who run their union aren't going to take an attempt by students to control the curriculum very well.

[BIXX]

I helped start a student union in portland. The two unions ended up working together, where the teachers union just waved around the student union and was like "the students are on our side!" And the only way we were allowed to "resist" was show support for teachers, or else we were kicked out of the union.

Also fuck unions.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

In my experience, conflict between Students' Unions and Teachers' Unions has never been much of an issue - but my experience is also at a university level. Generally, I've seen far more instances of the two facing off against hostile administrations and governments.
Which isn't to say they *shouldn't* come into conflict, depending on the issues at hand.

[ReindeerThistle]

NB: I am a volunteer labor organizer, but not a union organizer, per se.

Of what manner of "student union" do you speak? Because the Grad students organized under DC 65 of United Auto Workers. But they are paid staff.

In the US, "unions" are specifically regulated under NLRB and union officers must be bonded, actions are limited to walk-outs and the court can enjoin any action and order workers back to work.

Personally, I welcome all manner of organization, particularly the traditional non-contract labor association, a formulation that exists outside of labor laws and government strictures, but within the traditions of the First Amendment right to freedom of association.