New rule would limit raises for Wis. teachers - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) – Gov. Scott Walker has reshaped a rule to lower inflation-based raises for teachers in public schools and technical colleges.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the rule change would not use an individual's actual salary as a "base salary" to calculate raises.  It would also exclude factors such as a teacher's higher degree.

A spokeswoman for the Walker administration said the change was necessary to properly implement the labor legislation signed by the Republican governor last year.  Under that law, unions' bargaining is limited to cost-of-living adjustments.   Walker's change would limit that bargaining more than the original rule proposed by his own appointees.

Madison labor attorney Katy Lounsbury said the rules effectively neuter teachers unions in their bargaining over salaries.  Lounsbury also said she believes the rules violate people's rights to associate.