Madison teachers union provides lesson in democracy #wisolidarity #wiunion #weac

Madison teachers union provides lesson in democracy

Madison teachers union provides lesson in democracy

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Cap Times editorial | No Comments Posted | Posted: Monday, February 21, 2011 8:00 am

During a Madison Teachers Inc. membership meeting Sunday, a vote on whether to return Monday was so close that it couldn't be counted by voice or hand count. Members had to leave and re-enter through a central door where they were counted one by one. The vote was 741 to 731 to return Monday, but a later voice vote to return Tuesday received more overwhelming support.MATTHEW DEFOUR — State Journal

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Madison Teachers Inc., the union that has been so central to the struggle to preserve collective bargaining rights for public employees, has historically been one of the most democratic unions in the country.

John Matthews, the executive director of MTI, is a committed and passionate trade unionist.

But he is also a small "d" democrat.

So when MTI makes a major move, the members set the agenda. That's what happened Sunday, when MTI members met for four hours to discuss when and how to return to work after being off the