Legislation to allow public schools to deduct a teacher’s union dues from their paychecks was signed into Michigan law today. It was part of a broader package dealing with teachers’ unions that also stops wage and benefit freezes during contract negotiations, and allows bargaining over topics like performance evaluations.
Democratic Representative Jaime Churches says the new laws help boost teachers’ power at the negotiating table.
"People have tried in the past to take away the strength of the teachers’ collective voice and teachers speak on behalf of students and they want what’s best for kids. So, if they’re using their voice, it’s just going to be strengthening education as a whole." said Churches.
Republican critics of the legislation are accusing Democrats of putting unions over parents and students. Meanwhile, bipartisan bills to accept out of state teacher and school counselor certifications also became law today.
