Dave,

First let me say that I agree with you; teachers should have a merit-based pay scale, and I'm not entirely certain that the PSEA does anything productive, either for our teachers or our children.

However, that's really another discussion entirely.

I do think that your economic analysis of the situation is too simplistic. Capitalism and socialism are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Just look at China. In this case, while collective bargaining is perhaps more socialist in nature, it is still functioning in a capitalist economy and workforce. Regardless of how teachers bargain for their salaries, the school district is still drawing employees from a competitive market, and if pay rates are below average then it will face an applicant pool limited in education, experience, talent, and quality.