Greenfield, Whitnall Teacher Unions Vote to Recertify

With a recertification vote meeting the threshold required by state law, the members of both the Greenfield and Whitnall teachers unions have confirmed the local union as the official bargaining agent in their district.

The Greenfield Education Association's recertification passed by a 154-1 vote out of 225 possible votes. The Whitnall Area Federation of Teachers' recertification passed, 117-1, with 166 possible votes.

Earlier this year, Gov. Scott Walker and the State Legislature passed laws to restrict public employees collective bargaining rights. The legislation also required annual recertification voting by teacher unions.

“As shown by this vote, our members stood together and supported each other," Greenfield's teacher union president Doug Perry said in a statement. "This is one way we are sending a message to Governor Walker and his followers in the state Legislature that we are committed to being a strong voice for our profession, schools and students. And there are other ways, such as the upcoming recall election.

"Clearly, Governor Walker’s priorities for our schools don’t align with ours. You cannot cut $1.6 billion from public schools and not hurt students. That’s why, as we move forward, our union will continue to do what’s right in representing our members and further improve public education in our community.”

For more on statewide recertification votes, click here for a report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.