"IMHO I still haven't heard any good sound solid reason for going on strike, considering the disruption and massive cost incurred."

When reasonable negotiation fails, that then is a good sound solid reason. Governments pull the same stuff all over and the same arguments come from the same groups.

The Alberta Teachers' Association took the Government of the Province of Alberta to court because the government wanted to declare us an 'essential service'. The ATA won. Without the right to strike, what recourse do teachers have? I suppose we could throw ourselves at the mercy of our employers?

Tell me this. Tecahers are voicing a concern for wages (in this case). The issue isn't new. Perhaps you could solve the problem the way teachers and government did in Alberta. Negotiations to provied teachers with a wage that is fair and 'raises' that are dependent on the cost of living based on agreed-upon COLA indicators. We will be entering 5-year contract. It took us a long time to get here, and we paid a few prices for it. I would suggest that you could best help make your system better and more secure by complaining to government. They control the purse strings. Rememebr, you'll get what you pay for. It's too bad that the only time most folks care is WHEN teachers have to strike. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I'd like a life, too. And since the general public usually seems not to care about that, then I guess all I have to depend on to effect that goal is other teachers, and the only card we have to play is the strike card. Yes, it is unfortunate, and I think people SHOULD do something about it. It's a disgusting situation. PLEASE, write to your MP. Best wishes to you.