Union chief: New Detroit teachers' deal is 'farce'

A union leader says a new contract for Detroit teachers imposed by a state-appointed overseer slashes benefits while keeping in place a large pay cut.

Detroit Federation of Teachers president Keith Johnson blasted the emergency manager's plan Tuesday as a "farce." He says it requires teachers to pay more for their dental care and life insurance, but there was no collective bargaining. He didn't provide other details.

Under a new state law, emergency managers for three school districts — including Detroit — can impose new contracts without negotiating with the unions. But Johnson says that doesn't mean they should.

He says the district is considering several options. But he notes that strikes are illegal for teachers in Michigan, although though the district has a history of striking anyway.