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Teachers Protest on Behalf of Their Rights

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Warnings of flash flooding didn't stop thousands of people from making their point in downtown Nashville.

Teachers and labor union members both concerned their rights are under attack took on the elements to make a point.

A little rain wasn't going to stop them. For these teachers, there is too much at stake.

They marched to Capitol Hill, where state lawmakers will soon decide if they'll pass a bill that means their union will no longer be able to negotiate their contracts on their behalf.

"It will change a lot of things, pay, health care benefits; they will be able to decide. We will have no voice," said Donna Carlisle of Hamblen County.

There was also a strong labor union presence with concern dismantling their unions could be next.

"Because if they get to teachers, they are coming after firefighters; if they get to firefighters, they are coming after police officers. If they get to police officers, they are getting to construction workers, service workers, and everybody," said Mike Turner of Old Hickory.

Right now, some teachers feel they are under attack. Not only are collective bargaining rights in jeopardy, but there could be changes to teacher tenure rules as well.

Lawmakers who support ending collective bargaining believe it will pave the way for more education reforms in Tennessee.