Ditch the co-pay loophole

The Detroit News: Senate legislation to require a 20 percent contribution from public workers and teachers toward their health insurance coverage contains a counterproductive provision that would let local governing boards waive the contribution requirement with a two-thirds vote. State legislation on this issue has become necessary because local leaders have been overly generous in handing out unaffordable benefits. This provision of the legislation negates the purpose of the proposed law.

Recently, Detroit Public Schools officials sent layoff notices to the 5,466 members of the union that represents teachers in the district. Nonrenewal notices also were sent to 248 DPS administrators. Such notices are fairly standard and are required under the Detroit Federation of Teachers’ collective bargaining agreement. But district spokesman Steve Wasko said this is the start of an opportunity to reduce the district’s teaching force to match its shrinking enrollment — and to “ensure a qualified teacher is in front of every.

After May 17, following a 60-day window, Emergency Manager Robert Bobb will be able to implement his new authority under the state’s strengthened emergency manager law. As a result, some provisions under the current bargaining agreement might change. Wasko says the district already has had “fruitful” meetings with union leaders. This is good news as the new law is creating an incentive for more union flexibility at the bargaining table.