Court: Union restrictions voided teacher retirement benefits

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Star Tribune

MADISON, Wis. — A state appeals court says Gov. Scott Walker's public union restrictions voided retirement benefits for Neenah teachers.

Neenah schools and teachers negotiated a two-year contract in 2009 that provided a stipend and medical benefits to retiring teachers. The contract included an evergreen clause that guaranteed the deal would continue after the contract expired.

Lawmakers passed Walker's restrictions in 2011. Neenah schools subsequently reduced benefits, prompting teachers to sue.

The 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the school district acted properly, finding the 2009 contract didn't extend benefits beyond its expiration and the union restrictions voided the evergreen clause.

FULL story at link.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/court-union-restrictions-voided-teacher-retirement-benefits/389062461/

[ananda]

1. I hope they appeal this.

What happened was SO wrong.

[HuskyOffset]

5. According to the story

they are. From the linked story:

The teachers' attorney, Charles Hertel, said he doesn't believe the union restrictions invalidated pre-existing clauses and plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

I wish him luck, but if I recall, Walker has the state Supreme Court stacked. It does seem strange that a contract can be affected retroactively by a new law. Seems I read somewhere that laws aren't supposed to be retroactive.

[Adrahil]

2. And THIS is why I don't want a "pension" at the mercy of a psychopath. NT

[freebrew]

3. This isn't going to end well...

for someone. What good are contracts and agreements if they can be voided this easily?

Hoping Walker gets what he deserves.

[yurbud]

6. contracts are only as valid as the aggrieved party is wealthy

[Gidney N Cloyd]

4. What's Walker's/Koch's influence over Wisconsin state courts?

Locked up top to bottom?