Teacher Union Greed Fueling Demand for School Choice

Big-city teachers unions accused of prioritizing pay hikes over student achievement

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:35pm

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Major teachers unions in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Oakland have been aggressively demanding significant pay raises, even as student test scores remain well below state averages. Critics argue the unions' greed is harming students and families, and fueling a growing national movement for school choice as an alternative to the "monopoly system" of union-controlled public schools.

Why it matters

The actions of powerful teachers unions in large urban school districts are seen by many as putting their own interests ahead of student needs. This is driving a backlash and increased demand for school choice options that can provide alternatives to the traditional public school system.

The details

In Chicago, the teachers union won pay hikes over 4% annually for 4 years, even as the district spent over $30,000 per student. In California, teachers unions in San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles have all secured significant raises, some over 10%, despite poor student performance. The United Teachers Los Angeles union announced a new strike, the 3rd in 3 years, demanding a 17% pay hike over 2 years despite the district only offering 8%.

  • In 2025, the Chicago Teachers Union won pay hikes over 4% annually for 4 straight years.
  • In 2026, the United Teachers Los Angeles union announced a new strike, the 3rd in 3 years.

The players

Chicago Teachers Union

The labor union representing teachers in the Chicago public school system.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who has stacked the Board of Education to give the teachers union what it wants.

California Teachers Association

The statewide teachers union in California that has been orchestrating strike threats from San Diego to San Francisco.

United Teachers Los Angeles

The labor union representing teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Andy Beshear

The Democratic governor of Kentucky who vetoed a bill to allow students to use scholarship funds from a new federal program, bowing to pressure from teachers unions.

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What’s next

The school choice movement is expected to continue gaining momentum as more families become dissatisfied with the performance of union-controlled public schools.

The takeaway

The aggressive demands of teachers unions for higher pay and benefits, even as student achievement remains poor, are fueling a growing national backlash and demand for school choice options that can better serve the interests of students and families.