UAW Strike

As I was watching the news, I thought about Dr. Closen's comments about the honeymoon period which occurs the first day or two of a strike. I noted the union members walking the picket sign, all had big smiles on their faces. Because everything settled so quickly, will this cause problems for management the next time? Or, does this indicate the union wanted to strike all along? Did management not have enough inventory in stock to withstand a week of striking???

I also read an article on EdWeek's listserv this week that talks about the teachers' unions gaining strength because of board members being elected (special interest, needing the vote) and because of weak administrators. This made me think of a conversation I had with custodial/maintenance union leaders who indicated that if administration would get rid of the "slackers," everyone else could work more efficiently and the district would save money. Interesting...how many administrators go the mile when it comes to disciplining and/or releasing ineffective staff??? Having done this, it is very difficult releasing someone in February and having to work with them for four months afterwards.