Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for October 15, 1997 Still Going . . .

We expressed displeasure over the back-tracking by the Board over issues agreed to at our last negotiations session. After much discussion, the Board team finally agreed to do something that it had previously refused to do for two loooooooooooong years--to "T.A." items. (T.A.=Tentative Agreement)

To those of you who have not been involved in negotiations, this may seem like a mighty small victory--and you are right! In fact, it is standard negotiating procedure. You T.A. items to get them off the table so that you can focus on what is left. This allows you to make progress and "clear the table"--arriving at the "BIG T.A."--a Contract to be voted on for ratification!

We are still far from that point, but we have finally taken the first step!

The Board did respond to our objections over their proposal to "freeze" bargaining unit members at their current experience level. They are working on a salary schedule that would allow for movement.

Our next session is scheduled for October 28th.