Madison teachers union to demand contract talks

MADISON (AP) -- 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, September 17th 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.

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