So making 50% more than the average city worker for about half as many annual hours is not greedy? Of course teaching is hard - so are most jobs! The supply of would-be teachers far exceeds the demand-an indication of the fact that the benefits of the job far exceed those in competing professions. The only way a principal can turn around a failing school is to have full autonomy over his staff, and the union wants to keep their own control, continuing the cycle of failure. Who is looking out for the kids? If the rules are so unfair to these teachers, then step aside and give someone new the change to experience the job. It is not fair to students to be taught by people who are obviously so unhappy with their profession.