More Than 1,000 Rally in Milwaukee

Photos

Lack of contracts in the Milwaukee Public Schools is demoralizing school employees and hurting children. That was the key message at a March 25 rally by Milwaukee teachers and other school employees.

Members and speakers urged fair settlement on all employee contracts and repeal of the Qualified Economic Offer law, which has bogged down teacher contract negotiations.

More than 1,000 teachers, support staff and public school supporters banded together for the huge rally on the school administration grounds.

“Your fight is the fight of every school employee in the state of Wisconsin,” said John Matthews, executive director of Madison Teachers Inc., which settled its contract last December after a confrontational battle with the school board. “The key to our success is our unity.”

Paulette Copeland, president of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, said it is time to treat Milwaukee school employees with respect.

“We are here to demand reasonable raises for all employees,” she said.

Among the signs carried by participants: “We’re tired of teacher bashing; Be fair,” “Tommy has hurt teachers. What kind of future for new teachers?” and “MPS contracts now!”

In a rally speech, Sen. Gary George lambasted the QEO law, saying, “This abuse of our teachers and our children must stop.”

Gubernatorial candidate Ed Garvey praised teachers and said they deserve better treatment.

“I can imagine a state without Tommy Thompson,” he said to enthusiastic applause, “but I cannot imagine a state without the teachers I see in front of me here.”

Posted March 26, 1998