On September 3rd, classes will be held for the first time in the newly formed Ypsilanti Community Schools.
As WEMU's Bob Eccles reports, when teachers and staff had to work next Tuesday, they will do so without benefit of union negotiated contracts.
Ypsilanti Community Schools employees will be starting off the school year without union contracts. Superintendent Scott Menzel says the district is ready to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement once the bargaining team for professional staff is in place. The Michigan Education Association was approved as the representation for professional staff at the Board of Education's July 1st meeting.
In the past, professional staff has included psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and anyone who requires certification to perform their educational support work. Once a union is formed, it will have to deal with the effects of right to work laws and new rules prohibiting districts from deducting union dues from employee paychecks.
