In this update, HEA 1st Vice President and Negotiation Committee Chairman Ted Kempinksi offers HEA members an update on the ongoing contract negotiations.
Members,
As of our July meeting there is movement to reach final offers from both parties. Both sides have agreed to bring the best and final offers to the September meeting. The areas of tension are increase in salary and significant language concerns.
The current monetary offer from School Committee is 0% for 2014-2015, 1% for 2015-2016, and 1.5% 2016-2017. Generally speaking, the School Committee is reluctant to increase its monetary offer. They stand firm on a zero percent increase for last year because no money was budgeted for that increase nor is there any plan for there to be in the future. As for the 2015-2016 school year the School Committee indicates there is room in the budget for a one percent increase and that is all. Currently, in the final year of the contract they have offered a one and a half percent increase. This appears to be the only year that they might increase but they are hesitant to do so because they are unable to anticipate other increases. The HEA negotiation team’s current monetary offer is 0% for 2014-2015, 2.5% for 2015-2016, and 2.5% for 2016-2017. The team is firm in this offer because of the zero percent offered by School Committee for the first year of the contract.
The second area of contention is language. Major concerns exist about The School Committee asking for changes to preparation period language, an earlier start of the school day, and creating teacher-directed tutoring periods at the high school. The HEA negotiation team continues to explain that a contract that includes any of these changes is unacceptable. These areas either increase the instructional school day without further compensation or give away control of vital educational preparation time.
If we are unable to come to an agreement it appears that non-binding arbitration is the next step. The HEA Negotiation Committee will bring new information to you as soon as it becomes available.
Many thanks for your time and support,
Ted Kempinski
HHS History teacher
HEA 1st V.P./Chairman, Negotiation Committee