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Should school district union negotiations be public?
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School officials in Traverse City, Michigan recently released details of ongoing contract negotiations with their teachers’ union, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
The district posted the information on the school website, with the contract goals of the school board and Michigan Education Association (MEA) listed side-by-side. They also issued a press release to local media outlets, to make sure that the public could find the information. 
The union was furious that the administration published details of contract negotiations online, and threatened to file an unfair labor practice complaint.
District officials told taxpayers that they could face a budget deficit in the $8 to $12 million range by the 2010-2011 school year.
“Doing nothing to address this (deficit) situation will totally exhaust all reserves within two years, and would cause the financial collapse of our school system,” wrote School Superintendent James Feil.
Teachers are being offered a two percent general raise over two years, and the district is offering to let them keep their union owned MESSA health insurance coverage, which has no deductible.
However, teachers are being asked to absorb up to 10% of MESSA rate increases in the future. In addition, the district is increasing the prescription co-pay, and declining to offer long-term disability coverage.
The local chapter of the MEA does not agree with the school board’s contract proposals. It wants a three percent raise for teachers over three years, and wants the district to absorb all future increases in health insurance costs. In addition, it is asking for long-term disability insurance for all teachers, and an annual $500 bonus to veteran teachers.
“It’s obvious that MEA leaders would like to keep contract negotiations nice and quiet in every district possible, so the public will never gain a full understanding of what they’re asking for,” states Kyle Olson of the citizen based Education Action Group.
“But those days are over, and the union would be wise to accept it….“The truth can be an awesome weapon, and school boards should not be afraid to use it to their advantage.”
For related stories, see:
Stimulus Money Divides Districts and Teachers’ Unions.
Teachers’ Unions Struggle During Recession
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