Kenosha teachers union opts to not re-certify with state

KENOSHA (WITI) -- The teachers union in Kenosha is giving up one of the last rights it retained after Act 10. The union represents Wisconsin's third largest school district -- and it no longer has a say in teacher salaries.

Under state law, teacher and support staff unions needed to file for re-certification by August 30th. It's the only way they can legally be recognized as a bargaining unit -- and negotiate base wages.

In August, 400 unions across the state became subject to Act 10 -- and opted to re-certify with the state. The Kenosha Education Association is not one of them.

The teachers union continues to exist. But in Kenosha's case, they'll no longer be able to negotiate pay. Salaries will now be determined by the Board of Education.

Kenosha School Board member Bob Nuzzo says this is one reason the district has become financially stable.

"We have come back from being in very poor shape to being in very good shape," said Nuzzo.

Nuzzo says the district has added about $11 million to its reserves. He says the union can continue to collect membership dues from teachers. But Nuzzo does not know how the group would use that money.

Even though the school year is already underway, FOX6 News is told the school board will determine teacher wages later this year. Nuzzo says salaries will not decrease -- and if there are increases, they'll be done retroactively.

A representative from the Kenosha Education Association returned FOX6’s request for an interview late Friday afternoon.  A representative tells us by telephone she believes the recertification process only exists to make it more difficult for unions to thrive.

The group is opting to take a more “grass roots” approach to educational issues in Kenosha.