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Solidarity - October 4, 1999

Volume 33, No. 7
We teach the children ... Collectively we decide ... United we act

MTI PREVAILS IN CIRCUIT COURT

In October, 1997, MTI Executive Director John Matthews requested that the District provide MTI with the names of the finalists for the District's position of Labor Contract Manager. The request was made under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which mandates that public agencies provide such information. The District, however, failed and refused to provide the requested information, and under the administration of former Superintendent Cheryl Wilhoyte, made every available excuse in their effort to circumvent the statutory mandate.

Although District Human Resources Director Timothy Jeffery informed Matthews that the District had "no record of final candidates" as the term is defined in the statutes, the District in its response to MTI's suit claimed that Jeffery had provided MTI the information it had requested. The District finally provided MTI with the requested information, but only after MTI involved legal counsel to force the issue.

In sustaining MTI's claim, Judge Angela Bartell granted MTI's request for reimbursement of legal fees expended by MTI, stating "Clearly the time spent negotiating because of a pending mandamus action (MTI's lawsuit) is appropriately subject to an award of fees, costs and damages."

MTI ENDORSES REFERENDA

The MTI Faculty Representative Council, acting at its September meeting, has endorsed all three District referenda scheduled for November 9. The Council, MTI's policy making body, acted upon the recommendation of MTI's Political Action Committee (MTI-VOTERS) and the MTI Board of Directors.

• Referendum ONE asks District residents to authorize the MMSD to utilize $20 million over the next 5 years for needed building systems replacement (i.e. roofs, electrical systems, heating, etc.) These funds are available as a result of the District's debt service being paid off (e.g. using money for replacement and repair of your house which money one previously used to make the monthly car payment, after the car is paid off).
• Referendum TWO requests District residents approve an $11 million expenditure to build a new school on the southwest side. With rapid expansion, there will soon be 600 elementary school residents living in the area and nearby schools are overcrowded. The average cost per household is $11.00 per year.
• Referendum THREE would enable the District to spend $340,000 per year to staff the new southwest side school with a principal, librarians, clerical and custodial staff, as well as to pay utilities. The average cost per household is $6.00 per year.

MTI encourages members from all of its bargaining units to work toward passage of these important referenda. Their passage is an important component in maintaining the high quality of the Madison Metropolitan School District.

MTI NEGOTIATED DENTAL PLAN

Effective October 1, the dental insurance provided via MTI's various Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Madison Metropolitan School District reverts to the WEA Insurance Group. The plan, with the exception of the improvements negotiated by MTI last spring, remains the same. MTI made the move to return to WEAIG because of the magnitude of claim problems associated with Delta Dental.

In last spring's teacher negotiations, MTI was able to improve the dental policy by deleting the $75 deductible for orthodontia and increase the orthodontia benefit level from $1500 to $2000 per person. MTI also was able to extend the dental benefit to one's designated family partner and his/her children, if any.

EA-MTI KNOW YOUR RIGHTS/LONG TERM DISABILITY

Should an educational assistant become medically incapable of performing the duties of his/her job, the EA-MTI Contract provides income protection through long term disability insurance. Any educational assistant employed an average of nineteen hours or more per week is provided, at no cost to them, LTD insurance. MTI's Agreement provides that disability benefits are 80% of the eligible employee's monthly salary. Disability benefits commence after 75 calendar days or 55 work days of absence, whichever is sooner. Accumulated personal illness leave may be used as wage continuation during this waiting period.

MTI is currently assisting 250 teachers, 33 educational assistants, 27 clerical/technical, and 14 substitutes.

USO-MTI, GET INVOLVED!

A USO-MTI General Membership meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, at 4:00 p.m., at MTI Headquarters. USO-MTI will be electing their President and Board of Directors to lead the Bargaining Team in negotiations with the District for a new USO-MTI Collective Bargaining Agreement. Nominations and the election will be held at this meeting. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact MTI Headquarters. OUR UNION MAKES US STRONG!

TEAM MEETINGS

MTI has received several inquiries as to whether there exists a requirement to have agendas and minutes for team meetings. MTI advises that agendas and minutes ARE NOT REQUIRED under the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Team meetings may be held only during the planning time provision as set forth in MTI's Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section V-P-2. There may be ONLY ONE STAFF MEETING PER MONTH.

GIVE FROM YOUR HEART

Each year, MTI members have an opportunity to help countless people locally, nationally, and globally by making a donation through the United Way/Combined Campaign. Last year, MTI represented employees increased their pledge by 17%. That's great! The 1999 Campaign, endorsed last week by the MTI Faculty Representative Council, will run from September 22 through November 5.

The Campaign even allows one to choose which groups will receive your gift. With over 200 charities participating in the campaign, chances are one can find a charity that has touched you or helped someone you know. Payroll deduction is a convenient way for you to make a pledge, and it allows you to spread your gift throughout the year. Deductions begin in January. Contributions can also be made by check or cash.

Every gift, no matter what size, has a positive impact. MTI asks that those it represents support and participate in this year's United Way/Combined Campaign. If you have questions, please see your building campaign coordinator or call MTI Headquarters.

MTI MORTGAGE SAVINGS PACKAGE

A new mailing is going out on the "MTI Mortgage Savings Package" which we negotiated with Home Savings Bank last year. Over 200 MTI members have taken advantage of the plan, saving thousands of dollars through this new program. Home Savings donated $500, a $100 savings bond, a large gift basket and numerous prizes to help make the MTI/MMSD Back to School Rally a success.

HEALTH INSURANCE BILLS

Any member who receives a WPS Explanation of Benefits form, should please note that "this is not a bill." An EOB is an explanation of insurance benefits regarding the processing of a particular date of service. The code "WN" means that the provider has discounted the amount they charge for a service and accepts what WPS has paid for that service. This is a result of a contract between the provider and WPS. MTI members are not responsible for the discounted amount, and the provider should not bill you for same.

Anyone receiving a "balance due" statement from a health care provider, should wait at least one month to see if they are billed again. If so, forward the bill to MTI and MTI staff will work with WPS to ascertain why the bill was not paid in full. MTI's policy with WPS holds those insured via one of MTI's Contracts harmless in such matters, provided one did not sign an agreement form that one would be responsible.

HELP MTI HELP YOU

When calling MTI Headquarters, it is helpful if you state your name, job title and the issue with which you need assistance. MTI receptionist Chari Meir can then direct your call to the MTI staff member who can best serve your needs.

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Posted November 4, 1999