Madison Educators Reject 0.5% Base Wage Adjustment News April 6th, 2021
For Immediate Release
April 6, 2021
Contact: Michelle Michalak, 608.257.0491, michalakm@madisonteachers.org
98% of Madison Educators Reject 0.5% Base Wage Adjustment
Every student should have caring, qualified, and committed educators who also deserve a full cost-of-living-adjustment.
TODAY, Madison Teachers Inc. members voted overwhelmingly to reject the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)’s unilateral imposition of the 0.5% base wage increase effective July 1, 2020. For the current school year, the MMSD Board of Education only budgeted for 0.5% of the 1.81% Base Wage Adjustment allowable under the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) governing rules.
“By rejecting the Board of Education’s 0.5% adjustment to base wages on July 1, 2020, a strong message is being sent to the Board of Education that the standard of living of those working directly with children in public education must be increased, following years of decline in Wisconsin. Adjusting the base wages to maintain a Cost-of-Living Adjustment will afford our District with a greater ability to attract and retain top quality staff,” said MTI Executive Director Ed Sadlowski.
“The overwhelming view expressed by our members affirms MTI’s position that the District must prioritize an increase to all base wages annually at the allowable adjustment established by the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission for Collective Bargaining Agreements effective July 1,” MTI President Andy Waity stated.
MTI maintains the position that the District should increase base wages annually at the maximum Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- The CPI for 7/1/20 adjustment is 1.81%
- The CPI for the 7/1/21 adjustment is 1.23%
Madison Teachers Inc. has notified MMSD that they reject the 0.5% base wage increase for 2020 and will request bargaining for the full base wage adjustment of 1.23% for the 2021 year.
MTI is a member-led and democratic organization which represents 3,000+ employees who work for the Madison Metropolitan School District. MTI has maintained a strong voice on wages, benefits, and working conditions while advocating on issues of racial and social justice.
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