Negotiations Break Down, Union Walks Away from Table At 8:20 pm this evening, the Union came into the negotiating room and resubmitted an earlier proposal. They also stated that because the sides are so far apart that the Union is suspending mediation, suggesting that both parties take time off, reconvening next week sometime. They then immediately released a media statement that negotiations had broken down. The Board is ready, willing and able to continue mediation and will be submitting its counter proposal this evening, whether or not the Union is willing to continue working towards a solution. Again, the Union has failed to show any significant conciliation in its proposals, despite the Board’s increased salary offers. The Board’s current offers range from 3.80% Tier I, 5.75% Tier II, and 2.0% Tier III. The Union’s current offer ranges from 6.9% Tier I, 6% Tier II, and 4% Tier III. Despite erroneous reports of millions of dollars of available cash the District maintains only four months of reserves for operating expenses, less than ISBE’s recommended six month minimum. The Board has stretched its finances thin trying to meet the Union’s demands. The Board has agreed to fully-funded single premium health care, a benefit offered in only one other District of similar size in all of Illinois. The Board also conceded to fully fund a non-teaching union president position. We funded a $100 increase in tuition reimbursement for teacher training classes. And we’ve made numerous other concessions before negotiations suddenly came to a stalemate around salary demands. The Board is responsible to the students, parents, teachers, staff and taxpayers. We are working to find a fair solution for all involved. Following, what the board believed was serious negotiations today, the Board team had committed to reconvene at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning if needed. The District asks the Union to join our commitment to reopen our schools. Taking time out from negotiations does not serve our students.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 01:57:21 +0000