Victoria Garza "Sickout by Detroit Teachers Closes Most Public Schools."

Detroit school districts are struggling both financially and academically. Students have consistently registered lowest scores on assessments based on math and reading achievement nationwide. The district is also expected to run out of money by April. Consequently, the district has been unable to maintain the schools they have remaining. On Monday, the teachers had a "sickout" day, protesting an "unsafe, crumbling, vermin-infested and inadequately staffed building". Those taking part in this were trying to pressure officials into helping fix the school. 64 of the 100 schools were closed that day because of the plethora of teachers calling in sick.

I feel like there can be several viewpoints of this issue. First of all, the teachers have a valid point for demanding a change. The current condition of the school is unacceptable and unsafe for the teachers and students. Students shouldn't be put into danger in their learning environment. It is also clear to see why there hasn't been changes made by the district because of their lack of money. Maintaining the condition of the school itself is probably not their top priority. I can also see how this teacher's strike is both positive and negative. This strong action brought the issue to the attention of the district. I think this action will motivate them to take the teachers and schools seriously. On the other hand, the teachers took away a day of education for these children that they would have had otherwise. This is similar to the various labor unions fighting for better conditions in the work place.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/us/sickout-by-detroit-teachers-closes-most-public-schools.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fus&action=click&contentCollection=us&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=sectionfront