I wouldn’t blame individual teachers for this at all. Rank and file members of unions really don’t have a voice in changing such policies, it just isn’t in the cards.
Unions really aren’t democratic type outfits, they are run from the top down.
Example given, here in Pittsburgh. About 10 years ago, an SEIU local had an election for officers. The long time president of the local, a Ms. Trump, was very popular with the SEIU brass in Washington and faced a challenge from a local government employee.
Trump lost, the maverick won in a stunning turnaround.
Within 6 weeks, the international put the local into receivership, disposed the new president and installed their own people. The fellow who was elected ended up worse off than he was, he had quit his government job to take the union presidency gig.
Wife and I were originally from outside the Burgh, still religiously watch Pens & Steelers; but from along the Yukon nowadays.