Update (9/3/10 8:42 PM)

Friday Update: District offers NOTHING

Thank you so much for the strong showing at this morning’s rally at the district office. We were strong this morning and your presence meant the world to your bargaining team.

Mediation Update

Our bargaining team went into today’s 9 a.m. mediation session bolstered by your support. After a brief joint session, our Ferndale EA bargaining team shared our proposals with the mediator. The team waited for a response from the district's team for the rest of the afternoon.

The district’s bargaining team did not come prepared for today's negotiations. Our bargaining team was floored that it took the district’s side all afternoon to come up with absolutely NOTHING. At 4:30 p.m., the mediator informed the FEA bargainers that no more meaningful work was going to happen. The district would not be ready to propose anything.

We know your actions have amped up the pressure. Superintendent Linda Quinn was at the table, and several school board members dropped by the mediation session -- a first in this bargain -- at various times throughout the day. We know that adequate planning time for our elementary colleagues is critical so they can best meet student needs and student learning requirements. Our team knows that members should be allowed to make health insurance choices, and we want adequate compensation so we don't slip further behind.

Q&A on Strikes

Here’s a FAQ on teacher strike activities and answers about pay and benefits. CLICK HERE

Unfair Labor Practice

FEA is working with WEA Legal and we will be filing an Unfair Labor Practice complaint early next week. Superintendent Linda Quinn attempted to mislead our members and circumvent your bargaining team when she sent her e-mail to FEA members. Her e-mail made false representations about proposals on the bargaining table and offered new positions. Her action was a violation of state labor law.

FEA’s bargaining team will return to the table Monday morning on behalf of our 300 members and remains ready to negotiate in good faith.

Next steps for you:

· You will be contacted this weekend for an important decision on where you stand on next steps.

· Mediation is scheduled to resume on Monday, Sept. 6, as your bargaining team continues to work toward a resolution. Please check your home e-mail for updates. And encourage those who are not receiving these updates to send us their home e-mail addresses.

· Monitor our Web site, www.ferndaleea.org, and be a fan on our Ferndale Education Association Facebook page.

· Attend the 8 a.m. General Membership meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at St. Joseph's Church. Please come prepared to make a decision about next steps.

 

----WEA TOP Story----

"Ferndale teachers have authorized their executive board to recommend further action if no tentative contract agreement is in place by Monday. Recommendations could include taking a strike vote if no deal can be reached.
Ferndale educators met at St. Joseph's Church Thursday afternoon where the bargaining team gave an update on the stalled negotiations. A general membership meeting is set for 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, to vote on the next steps."

FEA Bargaining Rally:

Mediation begins Friday Septhember 2nd at 9:00 am at the district office. It will continue on Monday, September 6th at 9:00 am if no settlement is reached.

 

 

General Membership Meeting September 2nd

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