The current attack on public workers in Wisconsin is not happening in isolation. In a press statement, President Lewis explains, “Yesterday Republican Wisconsin Senators voted for their cronies -- banks and the billionaires -- and against the middle class.” Unions gave us the 8 hour workday, employer-based healthcare, and an end to child labor. Without unions leading the charge for better working conditions, employers hold all of the cards and will cut costs with more work for less pay.

Not only do unions fight to work for better working conditions, unions give workers voice to advocate for the people they serve. In a Tribune letter-to-the-editor, former teacher Jessica Havens writes, “… the purpose of having a teachers union is to protect the rights of children and adults in that system who do not have administrative power.” However, pundits and politicians are forcing stand-offs between labor and management. Maybe it’s because cooperation may be a step in the right direction in narrowing the income gap between the richest and the poorest Americans. Currently, the richest 10% controls 2/3 of American’s net worth.

The Chicago Tribune recently published an editorial offering advice to Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel. The author advised him to end tenure, use online tutors to extend the school day, and scale-back severance benefits. None of these measures benefit children.

President Lewis responded by suggesting some ways CTU can work with the new Mayor to improve schools.

•Provide safe schools and institute smaller class sizes that are fully staffed on Day 1. Focus first on neighborhood schools where nine of 10 students go.

•Limit standardized testing and restore art, music, physical education, computer and library classes. For that matter, provide libraries in the 160 schools currently without them.

•Invest in neighborhoods and their schools.

•Be a good employer. Empower every CPS employee with a fair, honest job evaluation system.

•Fund schools based on student need, not clout. Return the $250 million TIF (tax-increment financing district) money taken from schools each year and end Illinois' overreliance on property taxes.

•Provide smart, transparent and representative leadership through strong local school councils, an elected school board and a superintendent with an education background.

These are all solutions that would directly benefit children, which should be the goal of everyone involved in the teachers union debate.