NEGOTIATIONS:
Frequently Asked Questions
There has been much discussion in the community regarding the current negotiations that are taking place here in the district. The information provided below is intended to bring you up-to-date and accurate information. If you have a question that you would like addressed, please send it to Dr. Dan Brenner, Superintendent of Schools, at dbrenner@roslynschools.org.
QUESTION #1:
WHAT CONTRACTS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN SETTLED?
ANSWER:
Over the past year and a half, the district has successfully settled contracts with the following units: the Roslyn Custodial-Bus Drivers and Maintenance Association, the Roslyn Administrators and Supervisors Association, the Roslyn Paraprofessionals Association, and the Roslyn Educational Secretaries Association. Currently, negotiations are underway with the the Roslyn Food Service Association and the Roslyn Teachers Association.
QUESTION #2:
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN THE APPROACHES BEING USED IN NEGOTIATONS?
ANSWER:
The groups that have previously reached an agreement employed an approach called “interest based bargaining”. It is also known as “win-win” negotiations.
Negotiations have just recently opened with the Roslyn Food Service Association; the process to be used has not yet been defined. A more traditional process, often termed “positional” negotiations, has been taking place with the Roslyn Teachers Association.
QUESTION #3:
HOW LONG HAVE THE DISTRICT AND THE RTA BEEN IN NEGOTIATIONS?
ANSWER:
The district and the Roslyn Teacher’s Association have been negotiating since February, 2008. There have been approximately 20 sessions held to date, but no agreement has been reached.
QUESTION #4:
IS THE ONLY ISSUE UNDER CONSIDERATION RELATED TO SALARIES?
ANSWER:
There are other major issues under discussion: teacher’s salary, teacher’s benefits, the structure of the school day and certain other items related to the management of the district including the evaluation and observation process. All are considered very important by the district.
QUESTION #5:
CAN THE TEACHERS WORK WITHOUT A CONTRACT?
ANSWER:
While a new contract is being negotiated, the current contract remains in effect. Teachers continue to receive an automatic annual increase known as a “step increment.” In addition, teachers continue to be paid other wage increases for “column movement” which is achieved by completing coursework. And finally, health insurance coverage and all other fringe benefits continue unabated. In fact, all of the provisions of the expired contract remain in effect until a new contract is reached. Under the law, public employees may never withhold their services, even if there is no labor agreement in effect. Severe penalties apply for breach of this rule of law.
QUESTION #6:
WILL MY CHILD’S EDUCATION BE AFFECTED IF THERE IS NO CONTRACT?
ANSWER:
We expect that our faculty will keep these economic issues away from the classroom and will not inappropriately introduce these matters to our students. We believe that our teachers are very professional and will continue to provide a quality education to your children.
QUESTION #7:
IS THERE A LEGAL MECHANISM (i.e., COURTS) TO MANDATE A SETTLEMENT?
ANSWER:
No, New York State’s Taylor Law is very specific as to the “process” that must take place during negotiations. Should negotiations fail, the next step in the process is mediation, followed by fact finding. If these steps fail, more mediation is required. New York Law does not provide for any third party imposition of a resolution of a collective bargaining settlement.
QUESTION #8:
WILL THE BUDGET GO UP ONCE THE TEACHERS GET A NEW CONTRACT?
ANSWER:
Once the tax levy is set in August, the amount of the budget may not be increased for the current year.
|