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Moving Forward
I'm pleased to have settled our contract with MATC teachers represented by AFT Local 212. This three-year agreement follows a new contract with Local 587. We continue to negotiate with our third represented group, Local 715, the engineers and other production staff at Milwaukee Public Television.
These teacher negotiations were indeed long and difficult. I too would like to have reached an agreement sooner. My highest duty as president, however, is to secure long-term financial health and political support for the college. Should either deteriorate, our very existence becomes jeopardized. And around that issue, management and labor had some serious differences.
Spiraling health care costs continue to challenge us. I thank Locals 212 and 587 for agreeing to meaningful concessions. Several years ago we all began making co-payments for prescription drugs and medical services. Now, for the first time, we also will pay part of our health insurance premiums. This premium sharing is at a very affordable level, but will enhance MATC's bottom line.
Meanwhile, the MATC Board once again is at full complement with the addition of Dr. Victor Rossetti, Germantown School District superintendent. Dr. Rossetti sees himself as an envoy to our entire north-suburban district.
We have an exciting and challenging year ahead, filled with great opportunities. Several student success stories appear in this issue of Communique. Because of the work of our faculty and staff, our students continue to achieve.
Darnell E. Cole
President
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