Bill would freeze teacher pay between contracts

Bill would freeze teacher pay between contracts MLive.com
"Republicans in the Michigan House have approved a bill that would freeze pay and benefits for union-represented public school teachers working under expired contracts.
The bill that passed by a 63-47 vote Thursday goes to the Republican-led Senate.
The bill calls for public employers to provide no more than current pay and benefits after the expiration date of a collective bargaining agreement until a new contract is in place.
It would eliminate so-called step increases sometimes paid by school districts regardless of whether a union contract is in place.
Employees would have to pay for increased costs of health insurance or other benefits.
Democrats say the proposed changes are unconstitutional and would eliminate employers' incentive to bargain new contracts.
Republicans say the changes would give unions more incentive to bargain."