Restoring teachers' 2005 health insurance plans to this year's levels was a key demand the Kentucky Education Association said must be met to divert a teachers' strike next month.

"If there's some things specifically that we can correct, we're willing to correct that," Fletcher said about the health insurance plan currently being offered to teachers and state employees for next year. "But as far as going back to the old plan, that's just an impossibility."

The KEA board of directors voted early Saturday in favor of teachers and public school employees going on an indefinite strike starting Oct. 27 if their health insurance demands aren't met.

Among its requirements, the KEA wanted the 2004 health insurance benefits restored for next year, with employee contribution rates comparable to surrounding states. The organization also said it wanted a commitment from Fletcher to collaboratively work on a 2006 plan that would compare to Kentucky's neighboring states.

If those requirements weren't met, the KEA wanted school districts across the state to allow teachers and school employees to participate in a Sept. 27 day of protest. If their demands weren't met by Oct. 27, KEA officials said teachers should strike indefinitely.

However, Fletcher said there was "no way" Kentucky can afford to continue offering its employees their current health insurance plans. Fletcher said he didn't think the public would side with teachers if they went on strike.

"What they have given as far as an ultimatum, I believe, is unreasonable," Fletcher said. "And I think the people across the state will realize when they see how much that would cost - and it would require a tax increase - that it's unreasonable."

KEA President Frances Steenbergen did not return a call seeking comment.

Meanwhile, state workers are "very much in support" of KEA's decision, said Charles Wells, executive director of the Kentucky Association of State Employees.

An online petition, which KASE put on its Web site last Thursday opposing the new state health insurance plans, has so far gained more than 1,600 electronic signatures.

However, it's unlikely state workers would join in a strike because they would be risking their jobs, Wells said. The KASE board was planning to meet Oct. 2 in Lexington to discuss its reaction to the health insurance issue.

"We've opted to continue to try to put pressure on the governor and the Legislature to improve this terrible plan," Wells said. "And even though we can't change the benefits package this year, we want to make sure the governor understands what a terrible mistake he made."

Fletcher would not say whether teachers who go on strike should be fired from their jobs.

"It is, frankly, illegal. The courts ruled that it's illegal, and from my understanding it's in contempt of court," Fletcher said. "So, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."