Sunday, June 13, 2010

More on contracts:

More on union contracts:  So far the district has settled 3 contracts, those with the clerical, custodial and food service employees.  The clerical employees agreed to a 2% increase offset by furlough days over the next 2 years for a net zero increase.  Subsequent contracts will use the 2% increase as a starting point.  The custodial employees agreed to a pay freeze, in exchange for a bit of job security: the contract has language that prevents the district from replacing any additional custodians with contractors for the life of this contract.  Custodians could still be laid-off (not that anyone wants that to happen) but the work can not outsourced.  The food service employees agreed to a similar structure a few months ago: a 0% increase, but a commitment that the job of any current employee would not be outsourced.  

This situation is unusual: usually these contracts are left until after the teacher's union settles, and increases are based on the total negotiated with the teacher's union.  But this year is a little different both in terms of the length of time of the MGEA negotiations and the district's financial situation and budget cuts.  As you can see from the results, job security was a big concern of the unions this round.

4 comments:

Bill Albright said...

"What was it like when you were little Grandpa?"

"Well son, when I grew up our family became part of something wonderful called the middle class... but then...somehow..., it all..., and now... "

"Grandpa,why do you look so sad?"

Anonymous said...

2%?

If was to get 2% at this point, I would run to the bank happy as a clam. I think your starting point is too high. Perhaps, you should start with the average % that houses went down in value in the district. It is my guess this would be about a negative 4.5%

Anonymous said...

I jump at that chance to have my salary linked to property values! I'd have made a fortune over the last 30 years.

Anonymous said...

good god, the point is that 2% in this economy is generous.