Previously, the union oversaw most hiring and firing of teachers. Those who worked at government schools were allowed to decide who got their jobs when they retired, a hangover from a time when teaching was viewed more as a trade than a profession.

Many analysts blame those longtime practices for fueling rampant corruption in the education system. Gordillo, whose lavish lifestyle has made her the target of corruption accusations, acknowledged recently that teaching jobs were routinely bought and sold for as much as $6,000.

Full article here. Change some of the nouns, and it could be any number of American cities.