FLINT -- In a press releasef from: Michele Stinson, United Teachers of Flint president

More than a thousand teachers have filed a lawsuit against the Flint School District, asking a judge to stop the district from arbitrarily changing the group’s health insurance and violating the terms of their agreement.

The move comes after the school board voted to force a new health plan on the teachers, despite an agreement to keep the terms of their contract in place as the two sides negotiated a new deal.

“We had a deal to hold to the contract on a day-to-day basis,” said United Teachers of Flint President Michele Stinson. “For them to decide to throw that out the window while we’re trying to work out a contract is unconscionable—and illegal.”

One of the biggest worries with the board’s action is that teachers have been given no information about what this new health plan entails, despite repeated requests. 

“The school district hasn’t even responded to any of our requests for details of the plan.  Members have no idea of the coverage or the cost,” said Stinson.

“I’m scared out of my mind. I have a son who needs special medical treatment. Will this new plan provide for that?” asked Flint English teacher, Kelli Williams.

The United Teachers of Flint will ask a judge to grant them an injunction against the district at a hearing on October 26.