Epoch Times - How California's Largest Special Interest Gains Power From Classroom | Rebecca Friedrichs
Aired: 2022-07-28
Duration: 01:27


=== Teachers Leaving Unions (01:27) ===

[00:00:00]  California's teachers are leaving their union.
[00:00:03]  It is estimated that over 15% have left their union in recent years, and this year alone, 4,000 more will leave.
[00:00:11]  The unions have lost their way.
[00:00:13]  Teachers are seeing that their values aren't being represented by the unions anymore.
[00:00:19]  California Teacher Union has become one of the most influential special interests in California's politics.
[00:00:25]  Because these teachers unions are now involved in all of these different just political agendas and literally pushing the parents out, undermining the parents, our children are in crisis.
[00:00:37]  Is the union's deep influence in California's politics helping the teachers?
[00:00:42]  You know, you have to walk on eggshells all the time.
[00:00:45]  Most of the teachers I know have or are close to having PTSD. My guest today is Rebecca Friedrichs.
[00:00:52]  Former teacher and local union leader.
[00:00:55]  Her lawsuit versus California's Teachers Union in 2016 went to the Supreme Court and eventually led to the end of course union contribution from non-union members.
[00:01:04]  Teachers are really caught in the middle and they're deeply worried about their students.
[00:01:10]  They're frustrated that their profession is being used to promote politics.
[00:01:16]  They just want to teach.
[00:01:18]  Why aren't the teachers leaving the Union?
[00:01:20]  How does the Union play a part in California's politics?
[00:01:23]  Let's find out in today's episode.
[00:01:27]  I'm Siama Ekorami.