Wis. union head calls on teachers to go to work

The head of Wisconsin's powerful teachers' union is calling on educators to return to classrooms Monday and Tuesday rather than continue being absent to protest, which has shut down several school districts.

Mary Bell, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, said during a conference call on Sunday that it was time for her members to return to work. For districts that do not recognize Monday as the President's Day holiday, she said teachers should go to work. Others should report as scheduled on Tuesday.

Madison and Milwaukee schools shut down last week, as have several other districts, while teachers protest a bill that would take away their ability to collectively bargain for their benefits and working conditions. Many called in sick.

Bell says teachers will continue opposing the proposal.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)