For Immediate Release
July 8, 2011
Center for Union Facts
For More Information, Contact:
Sonny Bunch, 202-463-7106

Center for Union Facts Applauds Utah’s Move Towards Merit Pay,
Asks “What Is the Utah Education Association Afraid Of?”

State Teachers Union Planning Rallies to Oppose Paying Teachers More Based on Merit

Washington D.C.— Today, the Center for Union Facts applauded the Ogden School District for pushing for the gradual introduction of merit pay in the school district, and questioned why the state’s teachers unions were so scared by the idea of paying their members according to the quality of their work.

“Merit pay is one of the best ways to attract a higher class of candidates to the education profession,” said Sarah Longwell, the Communications Director of the Center for Union Facts. “Studies have shown that teacher quality is the most important in-class factor when it comes to student success. Instead of paying people simply for sticking around or getting a masters’ degree, we should pay people based on their talent and how well they educate our kids. In no other profession is pay tied less directly to success than in education.”

Longwell also questioned plans by the Utah Education Association to hold a rally next week protesting the move.

“What is the Utah Education Association afraid of?” Longwell asked. “Why are the unions worried about their members making more money if they perform more admirably? Teachers unions always say they’re interested in helping children, but it’s hard to see how encouraging mediocrity in the classroom is good for our kids,” Longwell added.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a CUF representative contact Sonny Bunch at 202-463-7106.

The Center for Union Facts is a non-profit organization supported by foundations, businesses, union members, and the general public. We are dedicated to showing Americans the facts about today’s union leadership.

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