We can stay in the traditional plan but it will be expensive to do so. On our campus, at least, there is criticism of the state union leader-ship for capitulating too quickly to the state and not even seeing what a strike could have won. The state did, however, back down on the increment proposal preventing that particular threat to academic freedom. Had there been no union, it is highly likely the state could have done as it wished. Instead we protected academic freedom, and on my campus strength-ened our union local for future battles.
Unions can be bureaucratic, corrupt and frustrating.
Nonetheless, unions can play a powerful role in defending workers, including professional workers. Without them or their equivalent, we are each on our own, fighting lonely battles that we are likely to lose. Enclosed is my piece for the column in the SSSP newsletter. Please let me know if it is what you had in mind.