Pay Not Based on Results

In this time of economic hardship the teacher union in Chicago has decided to go on strike:

As many as 26,000 teachers were expected to stay away, with picket lines forming around the city.

About 350,000 students were affected by the strike in the nation's third-largest district.

The walkout was called after all-day talks broke down on Sunday, following months of negotiations.

The two sides met again on Monday to continue negotiations, but failed to reach a settlement, meaning the strike will extend into at least a second day.

"This is not a strike I wanted," the mayor said. "It's unnecessary, it's avoidable and it's wrong."

School officials said they had doubled the pay rise offered, for a total of 16% over four years.

"This is about as much as we can do," Chicago school board chief David Vitale told the Chicago Tribune. "There is only so much money in the system."

Considering the drop out rate in Chicago is roughly 40% I see no reason to give the teachers any raise. In fact I would argue they should have their paid decreased to reflect the poor job they're doing at creating an environment where students want to come and learn.