Non-unionized employees can also be paid less and receive less benefits which is great. Because that's how you find the best of the best - offer next to no salary or benefits. It's so simple - you task these underpaid drones with teaching a meaningless standardized test to kids who are physically and sexually abused at home and come to school without a jacket (or breakfast or a packed lunch). If the kids don't do well, clearly it's the teacher's fault and they should be forced out immediately, which will be easier without union representation. Also, to save money, it's important to threaten older, experienced teachers with cut retirement benefits if they don't retire early (happening in MI) so that cheaper, newer teachers can be hired in their place. And even though all studies show that academic achievement starts at home, don't blame the parents. Ever.