Two Worlds
My column for the West Bend Daily News is online. It’s called, “Two Worlds.”
Remember when we were having our debate this fall about the tax increase for the West Bend School District? The teachers union stood up at the meeting and said that they were going to work with the district to make concessions in light of the district’s financial troubles. There were even rumors being floated that they might go with a salary freeze. Well, they were full of crap.
In the union’s initial negotiations agenda, dated Nov. 9 – two weeks after the board meeting – they made no pretense whatsoever of offering any concessions. In fact, the union is asking for more money and more benefits in the face of the school district’s financial woes. While West Bend suffers doubledigit unemployment and a double-digit tax increase from the school district, the union is demanding more.
For example, in agenda item A(8), the union wants to “negotiate a fair and equitable salary increase.” You’ll notice that the starting point doesn’t even consider a “freeze” or, heaven forbid, a “decrease.” No, the only thing the union wants to discuss is how “fair and equitable” their increase should be.
In item B(10), under “benefits,” the union wants to “add domestic partner, as defined in 40.02(21) and 770.01(1), Wis. Stats., to insurance benefits.” West Bend’s teachers’ union is asking for benefits to be extended to anyone with whom a teacher decides to cohabitate. Girlfriends, boyfriends, roommates, lovers, etc. would get benefits on the taxpayers’ dime if the union gets what it is asking for. The statutes define “domestic partners” very broadly.
The teachers’ union, despite proclamations to the contrary, wants more money and more benefits – the taxpayers’ circumstances be damned. It’s clear that when they talk of sacrificing for the children, they don’t have any intention of sharing the pain.
BTW, here is the WBEA’s initial negotiations agenda for your reading pleasure.
UPDATE: Per a reader’s request, here is the school district’s initial proposal. The highlights are that the district is asking the teachers to pay a bit more for health insurance, a salary schedule freeze for this year and a 2% increase for next year. So if the union is entering into negotiations asking for an unspecified wage increase and more benefits, and the district is entering into negotiations asking for a one-year freeze (still allowing step and lane increases), where do you think they end up at the end of the day?
While you vilify the union, don’t forget the highly paid bureaucrats and school board that enable them to fleece the taxpayer.
Posted by bill meyers on December 08, 2009 at 0812 hrs
This article confirms what we had been saying all along: The teacher’s union, the biggest mouths at the school board meetings that rendered our tax to the max, are a bunch of LIARS. The school administration pulled out all the stops by gathering their WEAC buddies to assist them in maintaining the silver spoon in their mouths. Indeed, the silver spoon remains, but it is filled with a load of manure. All the parents who wore the “Tax to the Max” stickers handed out WEAC puppets should be wide awake now. Naive and easily twisted by emotional rhetoric, parents/taxpayers will now pay the price. Time to take out some untrustworthy and manipulative school board members.
Posted by GAMazy on December 08, 2009 at 0851 hrs
BTW, superior article exposing the TRUTH. Kudos, O!
Posted by GAMazy on December 08, 2009 at 0854 hrs
Theres a shocker… Teachers looking out for number one. Those tax increases weren’t about increasing the quality of education in West Bend, they were about increasing revenues so that the union could request a “fair and equitable” salary increase for the people we build schools for, teachers.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 0915 hrs
But of course its all about the children…
While companies are freezing salaries (for the second year in a row) and having furlough days (again for the second year in a row) and some are laying off people or closing their doors, the teacher’s union is demanding wage and benefit increases.
What reality do these people live in?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 0932 hrs
Bill:
When did WEAC & teachers EVER have anything to do with reality?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 0940 hrs
What was the districts proposal?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1024 hrs
A good back scratch deserves one in return, here is your signed contract on a silver platter as you so desire.
How do you feel now tax to the max peoples, to be used and tossed aside like a snotty kleenix. is there any doubt now that the teachers are in this to line there own pockets, children are nothing but a tool to them.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1032 hrs
It used to be that Teaching was an Honorable Profession.
Turns out their just a bunch of Lying ThugsPosted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1108 hrs
I wouldn’t go that far. It still is a very honorable profession for very many people. Unfortunately, it only takes a few to make them all look bad. Then again, if the good ones aren’t standing up to the bad ones, then it seems like tacit approval.
Posted by Owen on December 08, 2009 at 1116 hrs
Do you think Joe, Pat and the rest of the gang will put their foot down and say NO?
Then again have Joe, Pat and the Gang ever said NO????Were Screwed! Congratulations to the Teachers (and their “Domestic” Partners)
The bags of our money are on their Way!!Oh, and if it wouldn’t be too much to ask, could you please leave a little for the kids?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1122 hrs
maybe someone should investigate the question in comment number 7.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1154 hrs
#7
Posted by Concerned WB on December 08, 2009 at 1215 hrs
#7 Sorry, not sure how to add a link?
http://wbsd.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/496946/File/WBSD initial contract proposal 11 2009.pdf?sessionid=68581d9bc444e1d7a18d3f402c6134c6
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1218 hrs
The result is what matters here- not the process.
Owen has shed some light on the beginning of a negotiation-
Lets see what the results are-and what the teachers actually settle on with the district.
Remember that in the back round is the certainty that any salary request that the teachers took to arbitration would be awarded-to the tune of 6-7% because of our lower district pay structure.
if the teachers take a freeze- they are turning down a 7% raise they almost certainly would be awarded.
Lets judge them on the finality of the negotiation- not the opening gambit.
Mark Maley
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1220 hrs
Look on the bright side, at least they haven’t “told” us we are responsible to insure their houses, cars and pets too….....YET!
Then again, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too hard for them to “convince” our wet noodle school board of this measure’s validity. After all, haven’t they in effect already turned over the keys to the treasury to them? Watch you wallet? Why? It will only add to your depression as it shrinks before your eyes.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1228 hrs
Not going to comment on raises etc as I’m not local, but did you actually bother to read that domestic partner statute? You don’t get to just declare you’re partners. You have to apply to the county, get things notarized, pay a fee, etc. And similar for getting it terminated. And the applicants have to be the same sex and unrelated. It’s not particularly friendly to scamming.
I think the additional cost to your district for agreeing to this is going to be miniscule to non-existent.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1230 hrs
Are you kidding, Mark? Wait for the outcome, then what? Forget WEAC proposed pay raises, used parents (and KIDS), stomped on taxpayers, and LIED?
Sorry. No can do.
Not brushing this one under the carpet. The levy isn’t going away, is it? Point made.
Posted by GAMazy on December 08, 2009 at 1233 hrs
The lack of morality on the part of the teachers is noted; using kids as human shields for their pay and benefits.
How do they sleep at night….Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1303 hrs
Hey #17!! Great point!! Probably just another Starbucks that we’d have to give up right??
Let’s redistribute, how about you pay a portion of my premium!!Oh that’s right, it’s only good for YOU when someone else pays.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1410 hrs
When everyone else is lucky to have a job, lucky to have insurance the unions and the teachers are screwing over the taxpayers (no surprise there).
Hey teachers..does it feel good to line your pockets on the backs of taxpayers? I’m sure you are all for the bankers and lobbists too…because being a teacher and part of WEAC is BIG business.
You don’t give a rats behind about the “children” and “education” you care about numero uno and that is you. So thanks for nothing and sleep well on your bed stuff with taxpayer money.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1428 hrs
Smeety,
“How do they sleep at night”
Wouldn’t you sleep like a baby knowing you had a job with no risk of cutting, summers off, fantastic pension to look forward to and a School Borard that will give you anything you ask for!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…...........................
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1542 hrs
95% do not post their real names because they say nothing.
The narrow-minded make the broadest ignorant statements. Same statements as usual frm the same crowd. Purposeful ignorance of other union contracts that have been negotiated in WB. Only Owen read both docs here. Did he mentioned the provision for people in military? Why am I wasting my time? Continue ranting, repeating nothing, saying nothing, quoting nothing, reading nothing.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1643 hrs
Both documents have been on the school district website for 6 days now. Everyone has the chance to read these for themselves. These were just the opening offer which is open for the public to see.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 1721 hrs
Where is that idiot anonymous Middle School teacher posting now?
Posted by Smeety on December 08, 2009 at 2101 hrs
95% do not post their real names because they say nothing ...
Posted by anon on December 08, 2009 at 1643 hrs
‘Anon’ seemed to have set out to prove it ...
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 08, 2009 at 2224 hrs
Virtual schools, less than half the staff, half the brick and morter.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 09, 2009 at 0052 hrs
For objective comparison purposes:
WB-PD Dept: Negotiated a 3-year contract with a wage freeze until July 1, 2010; (1/2 year) then they receive a 3% salary increase (“cost of living increase”) and a $10 increase in employee health insurance contributions will not take effect until the same date. Also WB will not institute a mandatory furlough program and there will be no layoffs for the 2010 budget. HR will delay the hiring of a dispatcher for 4 months at the police department and delay eliminating two paid on-call positions at the fire dept. The city and members of Local 2025, International Association of Firefighters, full time clerical and dispatch employees at the WBPD and the West Bend Police Protective Association also agreed to postpone a 3 percent salary increase until July 1, 2010. The council also approved a separate tentative 3-year agreement with the WB Police Supervisors Association that includes a 3 % wage increase for each of the 3 years of the contract. Like the other agreements, the increase will be postponed until July 1. Employees will pay a $10 annual increase in health insurance contributions, but that increase will not be in effect until the July 1 date. The city agreed to raise the lifetime maximum benefit from $1 mil to $2 mil and supervisors also agreed to modify retiree health insurance provisions to mirror those in the police officer contract. Current members retain their benefits, but they will be eliminated for new non-represented employees.
WB-Daily News 12.09.09: “County unions agree to wage freeze for 2010”
Two more county government unions (of eight) agreed to wage freezes next year. The County Board approved a pair of employee labor agreements with the Professional Social Workers Association and the Sheriff’s Department Protective Services Command Staff Association. Both agreed to maintain 2009 pay levels, foregoing 3 percent increases, explained Peter German, director of the WC HR Department with negotiated adjustments on health insurance caps and other minor concessions.No sarcasm: Anyone know the answers to the question below?
-What cost of living increase did the two unions above get for 2011 (and 2012)?
-What were the minor concessions?
-Are the contracts for 1, 2 or 3 years?
-Historically, the contracts are for 1, 2 or 3 years?Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 09, 2009 at 1155 hrs
Just wondering, JP: This compares to the WBSC how? None of these comparisons tops it all off with a crushing tax levy.
Posted by GAMazy on December 09, 2009 at 1226 hrs
I did not see any police or fire personal attending public meetings screaming tax to the max.They quietly went about there business and used no scare tactics involving children or public safety.
The teachers are not county or city employees, the job duties dont even compare, I see no relevance in your post Penterman, another red herring.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 09, 2009 at 1242 hrs
Response to GAmazy
respectfully-I am never angry about what the other side asks for at the beginning of a negotiation.Thats what it is- the beginning.
While i would love every negotiation to begin in the middle and end quickly with
the sorting out of some small details-some negotiators always begin with throw away negotiable’s-that are never going to be in the final package but are used as ballast before the end gameDomestic partners is just such ballast- in a conservative county like West bend.
The teacher negotiators don"t want a cut- and hopefully will settle for a freeze.
If they don"t- i would agree they are tone deaf-but i will judge the deal by the deal- not by the opening card playing.
regarding the levy- i would have done exactly the same thing had I been on the Board.
I would have followed it up by doing all 3 big things on the agenda that the board passed on recently
For next year- i would have closed the pool ,moved to One school and made the changes at the middle and high school that would have eliminated 20 teachers.- and saved the district $3MM next year immediatelyThe levy rate for the school district is cheap for the product received > The cuts would underscore the drastic change that is going to take place in the next 3 years as the budget is cut 10%- by up to $7MM
The taxpayers have to fund more of the load and thats where the levy comes in. (this is a “either they will or they won"t statement)
The board needs to act boldly (and they didn’t) - and the teachers need a freeze- and if they don"t,I will be surprised and sorely disappointed
Im a follower of Goerthe -“Be Bold - and great forces will come to your aide”
(hence- i will never be on the school board)
Mark MaleyPosted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 09, 2009 at 1631 hrs
By Popular request………
(Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer)
You know Taxes and Spending,
And Big Referendums,
Big Levy’s, Raises, Domestic Partnerships & Benny’s
But do you recall the most famous of them all…..Hey, were in the Teachers Union,
The Board gives us lots of Praise,
We say it’s for the good kids,
But we just want our raise,All of the other Unions,
Saw and shared our Pain,
Except the local Teachers,
Who only care about their Gain,Then one bad recession came,
We thought we’d get a break,
That’s when WEAC thought OK!,
Let’s see what we can take,So all of our School Board Members,
Went to see what they could Pass,
Don’t be too surprised here,
Their going to stick it up your #@*,Then how the Teachers loved them,
As they shouted out Hooray!
You thought we’d cut some slack,
But now your really going to pay!Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 10, 2009 at 1433 hrs
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