WI NEA local president okay with Scott Walker's changes

Having a choice ain’t so bad after all…

“In essence, what (recertification) does for us is ensures that we have an open dialogue with our school board and district administrator,” said union president Chris Peters, a fifth grade teacher in Winneconne. “Even though our role in dealing with the district is limited now, there are still some things we can do, such as bargaining over base wages.”

Peters said his main message to members during the voting process was that a vote in favor of recertification doesn’t require anyone to remain a dues paying member. Rather, it allows the option to still exist for those who want to participate.

The new state law prohibits the past practice of automatically deducting union dues from employees’ paychecks.

“To be honest, I think that’s great for everyone to have a choice,” Peters said. “But even if you don’t want to participate, that choice should be there for other people.”

from: Local teachers’ union leaders encouraged by statewide recertification results