WEAC Board Recommends Goals to Local Associations
Per-cell wage increases, no take-backs and locally developed
school quality initiatives are features of recommended minimum bargaining
standards from the WEAC Board of Directors.
The board in January adopted recommendations for 2001-2003
contracts.
The board recommends that local associations adopt the
position that: "We will not give any inadequate board contract offer the
dignity of an agreement bearing our signature."
Adequate is defined as meeting the following minimum
standards written by the statewide Bargaining Goals Committee:
- Cost-of-living (3.4% each year) per-cell wage rate increase.
- No take-backs in benefits.
- Propose and bargain WEAIT long-term care Insurance.
- Propose and bargain locally developed school quality initiatives.
The board is asking UniServ boards to vote to recommend
the goals to each of their locals.
"These are recommended goals," said WEAC Executive Director
Michael A. Butera. "Local bargaining teams must decide whether to adopt
the goals."
Butera emphasized that local action is voluntary.
"We are not telling locals what to do," he said. "But
we must stand united on behalf of public education, children, members
and our organization."
The goals apply to 2001-2003 contracts. As of February
1, 2001, WEAC had reports of 404 teacher contract settlements for 1999-2001,
leaving 22 unsettled contracts. In seven locals, the contract is unsettled
but the school board imposed a Qualified Economic Offer.
List
of unsettled districts for 1999-2001