There are 600 teachers in the New York City school system that don’t have permanent teaching positions, but are still collecting full salaries and benefits. The school system is shelling out $81 million over two years to these reserve pool teachers. These teachers have had their positions eliminated, due to personnel shifts, and until they find new employment, they have to be available to substitute.

A new report suggests that many of these teachers didn’t even apply for jobs this year and may be unemployable for a whole range of reasons.

Randi Weingarten of the UFT defends this practice.

5% of the workers at my husband’s company will be let go this year. Downsizing is a bitch, but it’s the real world.