Unresolved Teacher Contracts

Many teachers are returning to the classroom in Michigan without a new contract.

Michigan Education Association President Iris Salters told WWJ Newsradio 950 that teachers in 40-45% of school districts are without contracts at the start of the school year; much higher than usual.

"We usually run 20-30%, but because of the uncertainty that districts have been facing, they are reluctant to sign on to a contract at this time," Salters says.

One option teachers have in bargaining, since its against Michigan law for them to strike: "Technically, it is against the law, but that doesn't mean that civil disobedience will not take the forefront. And, people will be forced to do something like that whether they want to or not," Salters added.

In the Redford Union District, teachers have been working without a contract since 2005.

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