Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

Last week you received information and registration forms for the Region 2 Spring Retreat to be held on Saturday, March 28th at the Touch of Nature Center at Giant City State Park. The deadline for registration is fast approaching. You need to let me know today or tomorrow so that I can make reservations with our Marion office. Again, I think this would be a pleasant/fun experience for any and all members of CAT-- AND CAT WILL REIMBURSE THE REGISTRATION FEE for all who attend! Hey, FREE food and FUN times! What are you waiting for?!

So . . . if you are interested in attending the 1998 Region 2 Spring Retreat, contact Ron Newell TODAY OR TOMORROW! If you have misplaced your registration form--NO PROBLEMO--I have extras.

Speaking of Spring . . .Several members have recently inquired as to the status of Spring Break . . . As in "I've already made reservations, nonrefundable deposits, etc." Do NOT worry! Spring Break is guaranteed by the Contractual Agreement--even though it expired on August 14, 1997. During negotiations, THE BOARD MUST MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO . The only way that it can be changed is by mutual agreement--voted on by the membership of both parties.

And speaking of negotiations . . . The mediation session is definitely scheduled for March 26, 1998.

We have also been contacted by our IEA attorney. The bargaining team has kept her informed of the Board's reluctance to negotiate AND its "lack of authority" once we drag them to the table. Our attorney immediately recognized that these were the same tactics for which the Illinois Labor Board found the District GUILTY OF UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES --as WE told the Board at the table and told you in the last CAT Tracks. She is coming to Cairo to meet with us.

We have also sent a letter to the Superintendent/Board requesting the opportunity to meet with them on Wednesday, March 18, during the closed session of their regular Board meeting. We reminded them that the purpose of calling in a mediator was to get us to talk to each other--to negotiate with each other. WHY NOT NOW ? We sent the letter on Thursday, March 12th. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE AS OF TODAY!

In short, contact Ron Newell about Spring Retreat, do not worry about Spring Break, and stay tuned for negotiations!