Kohler Teachers Protest as Board Authorizes QEO

As nearly 200 people rallied and picketed outside, the Kohler School Board cleared the way Monday night (April 8, 2002) for imposing a Qualified Economic Offer on its teachers.

In a dramatic display of solidarity, about 150 colleagues from neighboring school districts, parents, and friends joined the district's 40 teachers in loudly protesting the QEO and demanding that the district bargain a fair contract.

After the board's vote in closed session to authorize a QEO, the teachers and their supporters filed into an open board meeting to further express their anger. When the QEO decision was announced, a loud chorus of boos echoed through the Kohler High School auditorium, prompting a warning from School Board President Tom Schnettler, who minutes later moved to adjourn. The motion was not seconded.

At an open hearing that followed, Kohler Education Association President Richard Tengowski admonished the board for "exploiting" its employees.

"Why do you hide behind the QEO law, especially when you have the financial wherewithal to resolve this matter?" he asked.

"For months, teachers have wanted to sit down with you and talk about settling this contract. We want it done. The community wants it done. The parents want it done."

WEAC President Stan Johnson also spoke to board members, telling them they have quality staff and urging them to return to the table and bargain fairly.

Tengowski said the Kohler teacher base salary has kept up with the cost of living in only two of the last seven years.

"Every employer has an obligation to treat its employees with fairness and respect," he said. "We are asking you, the Kohler Board of Education, to treat your employees with fairness and respect by coming back to the bargaining table to discuss a contract settlement that includes a fair and equitable cost-of-living increase for all teachers."

The school board's motion directed the administration to attempt to bargain a contract with the teachers, but authorized the administration to begin the process to impose a QEO if no settlement is reached by May 15. Under the QEO law, a school board can unilaterally impose a contract that totals 3.8% per year in salary and benefits combined. However, because of sharply rising health insurance costs, the salary portion of the 3.8% is severely eroded, leaving teachers with little or no salary increase.

The KEA is requesting a 2.8% per cell salary increase in each year of the contract. The board could meet the teachers' request by adding just $100,000 to its last offer.

At a rally prior to the picketing, KEA negotiator Joel Somerville said the combination of school district revenue controls and the QEO law "have led to a destructive level of contention" between school officials and employees.

"We are frustrated. We are fed up, and we are angry at this point," he said. "Negotiations, under the present laws, are a farce. It's not bargaining, it's begging."

Pointing out that the district sought a $17 million building referendum but refuses to come up with $100,000 to settle a contract with its teachers, Somerville said, "We're in a pretty nasty and pitched battle against injustice and incredible arrogance."

Kettle Moraine UniServ Council President Linda Helf noted that KMUC has been the statewide leader in solidarity efforts and applauded members for demonstrating great support for each other. She noted that members from many area communities attended the rally to support Kohler teachers. They included Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Elkhart Lake, Two Rivers, Howards Grove, Plymouth, New Holstein, and Lena.

WEAC's Johnson also applauded KMUC and the solidarity demonstrated by the large turnout. He said it is a reflection of what's happening statewide.

"Kohler – you are not alone!" he said. "Around this state, for the first time, our members are saying enough is enough."

Johnson said member refusal to accept unfair contract offers is making a statement that is being heard by elected officials.

"There are not many legislators right now who are standing behind the QEO law," he said.

Members need to focus on the November elections to bring about change, he said.

"The first act we expect to see out of the next governor is to repeal the QEO and revenue caps," Johnson said.

Resource page on the Qualified Economic Offer law

Posted April 9, 2002