Judges Uphold School Board Position

On December 8, 2009 a three judge panel of the Commonwealth Court issued an opinion upholding the position of the Neshaminy School Board concerning an appeal filed by the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers from a Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board decision. That PLRB decision had also been in favor of the Neshaminy School Board in refusing to issue a complaint in response to the NFT's charge of unfair labor practices because of the District's failure to pay periodic wage increases for additional academic credits earned while collective bargaining continued. In effect, the Commonwealth Court and the Labor Board have both decided, once again, that until a contract settlement is reached and ratified by both parties, no wage or salary increases are due to be paid.

The NFT contract expired on June 30, 2008. The School Board has withdrawn all offers of any salary increase for the 2008-2009 school year, and is now bargaining about what salary increases will be paid for the 2009-2010 school year and thereafter. No bargaining sessions are currently scheduled. The Board negotiation committee has remained in contact with the State Mediator, John Cairns, who is assigned to the case, and who will bring the parties together again at his discretion.