Vermont Business Magazine Just one-year after a bitter contract battle nearly led to a teacher strike, the Burlington School Board and the teacher’s union are once again far apart for a new contract. Last year's settlement only delayed a long-term solution. The two sides engaged in a seven-hour contract mediation session Wednesday without reaching a settlement. For salary, the Board is offering a 1.75 percent increase in FY18 and 2.0 percent in FY19. This would mean an average salary increase of $1,241 per teacher in the first year and $1,469 in the second year. The teacher’s union is seeking a 5.28 percent salary increase in one year, or $3,745 per teacher. Significant differences also remain in the areas of health insurance benefits and operational changes.
Thursday’s session was a continuation after the two parties engaged in mediation on April 11th. Moving forward, both parties will submit arguments to Mediator Michael Ryan who will act as the neutral Fact Finder. Arguments are due June 7, 2017 and Ryan has 30 days to issue his non-binding report.
So far, this year's negotiations have not reached the level of rancor into which last year's negotiations ultimately fell.
“While we made limited progress today, we look forward to a successful conclusion to negotiations in a timely manner, and prior to the start of the next school year,” said Commissioner Anne Judson, a member of the Board’s negotiations committee.
The Burlington Education Association, the union representing the teachers, said in a statement after the negotiations broke off: "The teachers seek a contract that will offer a competitive compensation package that will attract and retain the best teachers for the city’s students. The teachers also contend the city’s voters approved a 7.74% increase or in excess of $6 million from FY16- FY18 yet not only has the number of teachers been reduced but the compensation of teachers in comparison to others in the region has gone down. The current Board proposal allocates less than 38 cents of each dollar in revenue to teacher salary and health benefits leaving teachers questioning the Board’s allocation of the revenues.
"The BSD proposals want to shift the majority of healthcare costs to employees, and offer salary increases that do not recognize experience. The teachers are also concerned with proposed changes to working conditions that would limit time for direct-student academic services."
Sources: BSD. BEA. 5.31.2017