Tony Chiado

I’m going to be a bit bold here. I think the National Education Association, America’s largest union of ~3 million members, should be kicking the tires on a national teacher strike. A mid-year national teacher strike against the elimination of the Department of Education would be one of the most actionable disrupters to the fascist coup underway.

Teachers, in flexing their skills, education, and community connections, could lead a strong social movement against fascism if they leaned into their labor solidarity right now. A mid-year national teacher strike would significantly impact daily life for nearly all Americans, forcing the issue.

It isn’t without risk. Teacher strikes are illegal in many states. An Air Traffic Controller situation is possible. But look down the road a little bit. Anticipate the fast-coming death of the the Department of Education. Consider the likelihood that the Supreme Court Case will rule in favor of religious charter schools, soon. Recognize that the era of public schools is coming to an end if nothing is done to neuter the rise of fascism.

If the NEA doesn’t recognize its power to act now, it might lose that power forever. The Trump Regime will want to break the back of Teachers’ Unions. It will happen. The power possessed by NEA today is use-it-or-lose-it. This is an existential issue for the NEA the same as it’s an existential issue for public schools. You’ve built up national labor solidarity for what? To watch fascists rip it away? Leverage it.

But we need leaders that are willing to stick out their necks. We need leaders that are willing to look at the current map and say “all is fair in war!” and dare to do the unconventional. This could only work as a top-down mobilization by union leadership. And so far, I haven’t heard a whisper.