Bluffs school offer: No raises

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20101216/NEWS01/712179907/1009#bluffs-school-offer-no-raises

Published Thursday December 16, 2010

By Dennis Friend
WORLD-HERALD NEWS SERVICE

COUNCIL BLUFFS — The Council Bluffs Education Association asked for a 7.79 percent increase in the membership’s overall pay package when it presented its initial bargaining position Dec. 2.

On Thursday, Human Resources Executive Director Janet Reiners offered the district’s initial proposal: No increase in salary and a lower contribution toward insurance coverage.

“Essentially, it’s a pay freeze and a reduction in insurance and sick leave,” the union’s chief negotiator, Bob Hansen, told Reiners at Thursday’s meeting.

“We’re a tax-supported institution with declining enrollment,” Reiners countered.

The union, which represents 657 teachers in the district, has asked for a 6.3 percent pay increase on a proposed $33,000 base salary. The current base is $31,210. The union also has asked for a 17.9 percent increase in insurance.

FULL story at link.

[OhioBlue]

1. good luck to them

It's hard to be a public employee right now. IMO - the education association needs some PR help on this - they need to know when to pick their battles to win the war. Asking for a 6.3% pay increase isn't likely to win the support of the public. But, then again, I guess that is the art of negotiations.

[LiberalFighter]

2. If they maintain their insurance and base wages to cola then I would consider it a win.

As for the school's claim that they are doing it because they are tax supported with declining enrollment. That is true. But the only change that should occur is reduce support staff (teachers included) based on that enrollment. And they should seriously consider reducing any pay for admins including superintendents. They are not worth the money.