Madison teachers union to demand contract talks

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Posted: Mon 12:22 PM, Sep 17, 2012

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Reporter: AP

Updated: Mon 12:28 PM, Sep 17, 2012

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Madison teachers union to demand contract talks

MADISON, Wis. (AP & WEAU) -- The Madison teachers union will be demanding that the district begin new collective bargaining contract negotiations in light of a court ruling overturning parts of a state law that previously forbid it.

John Matthews, head of the Madison teachers union, said Monday that the request is likely to be sent to the district on Tuesday. District spokeswoman Rachel Strauch-Nelson had no immediate comment.

Madison school employees are currently covered under a union contract that ends on June 30, 2012. Typically, talks for the next two-year contract wouldn't begin until February.

But Matthews says in light of the court ruling allowing talks, he wants them to begin immediately.

The attorney general's office plans to ask that the ruling be put on hold while it is being appealed.

Meantime, State Senator Sheila Harsdorf is the latest to chime in on Friday's ruling.

“Friday’s ruling by a Dane County circuit court judge against the budget reforms enacted last year is disappointing and a step backward for our state. It appears that those seeking to stop reform and return Wisconsin to the tax and spend policies of the past will continue to file lawsuits until they get the ruling they want., Harsdorf said.

Harsdorf went on to say in a statement, “I am pleased that Attorney General Van Hollen has announced he will appeal this decision and seek a stay to prevent it from taking affect while the appeal moves forward. Higher courts have previously upheld Act 10.”

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