Health Care Increase Rejected

Source: Miami Herald

Teachers, classroom aides and other schools employees rejected a deal struck by union leadership and Miami-Dade County Public Schools over increased health insurance costs, union officials said Monday.

The district had agreed to cover all cost increases until June 30. After that, employees who chose the most comprehensive plan would have had to share part of the expense.

But the teachers and other employees voted overwhelmingly against the package, arguing that the extra expense would eat away at their hard-fought raises. Their approval was necessary to set the plan into action.

The district and the union will likely have to hold a hearing before a special magistrate.