The Teaching Assistants Association will again reject the state's contract offer for 2003-05. An overwhelming majority of TAA members told their bargaining committee Tuesday night the contract was insufficient and the bargaining procedure with the state is broken.
\They are disrespecting the bargaining process,"" TAA Co-President Ryan Gavin said. ""They are unwilling to accept our concessions. The state is attacking our right to collectively bargain.""
The State Bargaining Committee offered TA's and PA's an $11 monthly premium for singles and a $25 health-care premium for families, but that premium only covers this year and does not guarantee that premium in the future.
""The state wants to just say $11, but won't say it will be $11 next year,"" TAA staff member Debby Herman said. ""We know premiums will continue to rise, so saying $11 now doesn't give any security.""
Since negotiations first began in 2002, the TAA has offered several packages to the state in an attempt to balance healthcare with pay raises. Offers include $1 monthly premiums with a minimal pay raise or higher pay raises offset by a higher premium.
The state refuses to meet the TAA in the middle, according to Jay Gates, co-chair of the TAA Steward Council.
""We've researched private sector standards and we're getting screwed,"" Gates said. ""The market pay raise will rise 22 percent per year, but the state won't offer to compensate us for that increase.""
While the state did offer domestic partner health benefits, the TAA claims foul play because the measure will not pass through the legislature. According to Gates, the Legislature's Joint Committee of Employee Relations already said they would not pass domestic partner benefits.
""The governor dictates who can bargain,"" said Gates. ""Because JCOER already stated they will not accept domestic partner benefits, they have circumvented the checks and balances set up by Wisconsin law. How can we accept this proposal from the state when JCOER already denied it?""
Due to continual roadblocks in the state bargaining process, the TAA will again seek different routes to put pressure on the Wisconsin legislature, including appeals to public opinion.
""We're looking for different fronts to fight our battle on,"" Gavin said. ""We want to educate the public about the importance of TAs, especially to a highly researched-based institution like Madison.""
The TAA has not addressed the possibility of another strike because it is trying to find alternative negotiation methods. However, the group will not concede further on issues of salary and health care.
""I think it's better to be in a good, strong position than give in,"" TAA member Subha Xavier said. ""And we are trying to keep that strong standpoint for what we believe in.""
