Illinois Union Contract Prevents Cost Savings: Quinn's school district mergers could hike salaries, wipe out cost savings

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

Gov. Pat Quinn's proposal to merge Illinois school districts would trigger a sudden increase in teacher salaries that could reduce or even erase any administrative savings, according to labor and education experts.

That's because when two districts consolidate in Illinois, teachers in the lower-paying district are allowed to switch to the higher pay offered by the other.

Unions and public education: a losing combination.