Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter



CAT Tracks for March 11, 1998
"Negotiations" Update



No Progress!




The two teams met from 6:15 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. last night.


The Board's team made a "supposal"--not official if not accepted. When we tried to negotiate, the Board team told us that they "had no authority to make any modifications in the Board's offer." This is exactly the same approach-- THE EXACT SAME WORDS --that caused the CAESP to file-- AND WIN --their Unfair Labor Practice charge last year. It is the very ULP decision that is currently posted in each building and the central office.

The Board team stated in no uncertain terms that they would NOT move off of their offer for this year--that if they did, they would have to give that percentage to other groups. ( AGAIN , this was another part of the CAESP ULP decision--no open mind towards negotiations.) For some teachers, the Board's current offer is LESS THAN A STEP ! We told them that this was NOT ACCEPTABLE !

The situation grows increasingly grim. The Board team refused to negotiate at the November, December, and January meetings. They would not meet in February!!! Now they say that they do NOT have authority to do anything in March. We have been VERY patient in the face of continued stalling tactics. It is time for the games to end.

Mediation is tentatively scheduled for March 26th. As always, we will keep you informed.