Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington Board of School Commissioners said today that it and the teachers' union (Burlington Education Association) are considering resuming negotiations on a new contract. Talks broke down two weeks ago as the two sides remained narrowly apart on salary increases, with a one percent increase in health insurance obligations. The board on September 15 then imposed a new salary structure on the teachers, which reflected its last offer. The teachers yesterday staged an "informational strike," which included 300 members, supporters and parents. They planned more such non-school time strikes for early Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, but do not have plans at this point for a work stoppage.
BEA President Fran Brock addresses members and community allies at an informational picket on Tuesday afternoon in front of the Staples plaza in South Burlington. BEA photos.
Under the imposed terms, teachers will pay 16 percent of their health care (up from the current 15 percent, where the union wanted it to stay) starting January 1, 2017. By the time negotiations broke down, the board had increased its offer to 2.75 percent. The board initially had proposed a 1.8 percent salary increase, while the union asked for 5.29 percent. A fact finder suggested a 3.25 percent increase, which the union indicated it would accept, leaving the two sides only a half-point apart. Most of the other benefits will remain the same under the imposed contract.
“The Board and the BEA share the goal of ensuring that teachers are compensated fairly and comparably with neighboring districts and both parties are also committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of Burlington’s children for this year and beyond,” stated Board Chair Mark Porter. “The Board looks forward to building on these shared goals and finding common ground that will allow the Board, the Union, and our community to move forward.”
The school board also issued the following statement: "The Board would like to thank community members who reached out to us and to the BEA to urge both parties to re-engage in discussions regarding the teacher contract. Yesterday, the BEA contacted the Board’s negotiating team to extend an invitation to take part in such talks, and last night, we met to discuss this offer. As part of the negotiation process, the two parties engaged the services of an experienced mediator, Ira Lobel, who has developed positive relationships with both parties. He also has an understanding of the areas of commonality and difference that exist, as well as the budget parameters that the District faces. Today, the Board contacted the BEA to indicate a willingness to engage in additional discussions with the Union, should the mediator support this move and believe that meaningful progress is possible.
"In order not to create false expectations, the Board also reiterates that it committed all available funding when they enacted the employment policy, based on the budget approved by voters in March. The Board is in a position to engage in discussions, with the understanding that neither budget cuts nor deficit spending are feasible options."
On September 20, the BEA formally rejected the imposed compensation.
BEA members and allies try to rally support from commuters Tuesday afternoon.
“By imposing working conditions on the Burlington Education Association, the Burlington School Board signaled it would rather fight with teachers than reach a settlement,” said Fran Brock, a Burlington High School history teacher who serves as the union’s president. “There is only one way to come back from the brink, and that is for the board to rescind the imposition and reach an agreement with us.”
Following the news today of continued negotiations, Board Chair Mark Porter said:“The Board and the BEA share the goal of ensuring that teachers are compensated fairly and comparably with neighboring districts and both parties are also committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of Burlington’s children for this year and beyond. The Board looks forward to building on these shared goals and finding common ground that will allow the Board, the Union, and our community to move forward.”
The union represents 400 educators, who serve the 3,600 students.
Source: Burlington Board of School 9.28.2016