In addition to the much publicized collective bargaining cuts, the head of Wisconsin’s largest teachers union says they are dealing with other changes in state law regarding membership.
Although it’s now easier for teachers to opt out of being union members, Mary Bell of WEAC is not concerned with waning enrollment. Despite changes meaning less money for educators, she says, teachers understand the value of a “collective voice.”
Governor Walker has said that teachers can use the money they would normally pay toward union dues toward health and pension benefits.
Bell concedes going directly to members to collect union dues makes enrollment more difficult. Changes in state law prohibit such automatic deductions from paychecks.
