Members Ratify Contracts!

Here are the results of the ratification vote to extend our three labor agreements:

The proposal to extend our three collective bargaining agreements was overwhelmingly accepted by all Local 212 bargaining units. We want to thank the bargaining teams, the executive board and all union activists who did the hard work to create the environment where this settlement is possible.

Finally, we want to express our appreciation to all those who have called or written to thank us for these agreements. With our contracts completed until June 30, 2011, the leadership of Local 212 looks forward to working with the MATC District Board and administration to serve our students, train the local labor force, and secure more resources to invest in these initiatives.

Thanks again for your support.

212 Agrees to Form OPED Trust

April 21, 2008

During our last negotiations, the administration raised concern over the cost of retiree health benefits. Their proposed solution, of course, was to cut our current and future members rights to retiree medical care.

While their “solution” was unacceptable, we agreed to examine the issue outside the pressure-filled context of negotiations. Since our contracts were settled, I, along with other Local 212 representatives, have met with the administration’s representatives and discussed their concerns.

We have now agreed to one proposal that we believe will be a win for both our members and the college. At today’s Finance Personal and Operations Committee meeting of the MATC Board, the committee agreed to form a trust that will be created for the benefit of our future retirees.

We have agreed to this for several reasons:

1) New federally mandated accounting standards require the recognition of not only present, but future retiree health costs.

2) By funding this trust, the college will generate additional state aid revenue.

3) The Trust funds can be invested in safe instruments and earn income that will help pay future benefits.

The creation of this trust was agreed to by Local 212 representatives including myself, Local 212 President, Michael Rosen, accounting instructor, Roger Sands, and outside legal advisors.

This action by the Board will not negatively affect your benefits in any way, but will address some of the concerns raised by the college and meet federal guidelines. A special thanks to Roger Sands, who has agreed to serve on the newly created trust board that will be formed as a result of this action.

Frank Shansky
Director of Labor Relations
AFT, Local 212

AFT Local 212 Endorses
Barack Obama for President

February 7, 2008

American Federation of Teachers Local 212 broke with its parent union today to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States.

Local 212 President and Economics Professor Dr. Michael Rosen described the decision as "a very democratic process."

"Last fall we asked our members, and there was no clear favorite," explained Rosen. "But over the past week we polled the 428 members who voluntarily contribute to our Committee on Political Education, and they voted by more than 2-1 to endorse Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton."
Read entire Local 212 press release here...

Teaching Assistants Association, AFT Local 3220's
Press Release Endorsing Barack Obama

Obama Landslide in 212 Presidential Poll

February 7, 2008

Senator Barack Obama won the Local 212 COPE poll by a landslide, more than doubling the vote of second-place finisher Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama was the choice of almost 2/3 of the 140 Local 212 COPE members who participated in the secure, on-line poll.

Fully 428 Local 212 members voluntarily contribute to the COPE fund, making us one of the most politically involved unions in Wisconsin.

Local 212 President Michael Rosen praised 212 members for participating on such short notice: “In a poll like this, 25% participation is considered excellent, and we had 33% of our COPE members vote, proving again that our union’s strength is the involvement of our members.”

Here are the poll numbers: