Some Progress but Still Far Apart

Negotiation Meeting #48, August 29, 2012
 
The Board submitted a new proposal regarding the twelve points from the Arbitrator's award. The Board is pleased to report that we did reach a tentative agreement on these items that was signed by both parties.

The Board proposed a new Rx plan, 5/25/30, which would lower the cost employees pay for their prescriptions. Our previous proposal was 5/30/50 plan.  The NFT had proposed 10/25/30.

The Board had previously agreed to a customized health plan that the NFT had chosen, which was contingent upon the NFT contributing 15% towards health care premiums. This would have been a major concession on the part of the Board, however it became a moot point when the NFT countered with an 8% contribution on ratification, and 8%, 8.5%, 9% in subsequent years, all fixed rates.

The NFT also made it known that their proposal for retro pay and retirement benefits has not changed.
 
The parties never met face-to-face, and remain very far apart on all financial issues.
 
The next meeting is August 30, 2012 6:00 pm.