Coordination, Unity are Key to New WEAC Bargaining Goals

Coordination and unity are the keys to the WEAC bargaining goals for 2003-2005 now under development, according to President Stan Johnson.

“WEAC leaders from throughout the state have been discussing the benefits of coordinating bargaining and sharing information about negotiations,” Johnson said. “Members recognize the value of working together in difficult times. Solidarity is needed now more than ever.”

WEAC officials have traveled throughout Wisconsin in recent months, talking to members about bargaining goals.

Representatives of the 25 largest locals met earlier this month to talk about future bargaining and statewide goals.

“We have been discussing these issues with members at a variety of events over the last few months,” Johnson said. “The largest locals have a unique perspective that is critical to developing the next version of statewide goals.”

Johnson said larger locals play an important role in establishing settlement patterns for area locals.

“The large associations are ‘lighthouses’ for smaller locals in their part of the state,” Johnson said. “They set trends for entire regions.”

Johnson said the December meeting found agreement on many issues, including the need to communicate with other locals and WEAC on a regular basis.

“The 2003-2005 bargain will not be easy,” Johnson said. “Our members need to work together and support each other in order to make sure they negotiate fair and reasonable packages. The future of state-imposed revenue controls and the Qualified Economic Offer law is not clear at this point, and we all need to be prepared to deal with whatever happens in the Legislature over the next few months.”

Johnson said WEAC looks forward to working with Governor-elect Doyle on the QEO issue, and will continue to illustrate the injustice of the law by fighting for fair settlements at the bargaining table.

The new teacher licensure rules and the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act have complicated bargaining issues, according to Johnson.

“There are many questions to ask as we deal with these two laws,” he said. “They will have a major impact on how we teach and provide great schools for all children.”

Health care and salary remain two major issues that representatives from the large locals agreed to focus on in future discussions.

“There is widespread support for maintaining access to affordable health care for our members,” Johnson said. “We need to find creative ways to contain the cost of coverage while maintaining quality care.”

Future meetings of large locals and the urbans are in the works.

“Many different components of the organization are coming together to provide input,” Johnson said. “There is growing support for coordination at the local, regional and state levels, and we welcome all input.”

Posted December 13, 2002