Wednesday, August 29, 2012
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.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Update from Meeting #47
The meeting began at 6:35pm
The Board and NFT met in separate rooms as the Mediator shuttled back and forth. The NFT submitted a rewritten proposal of the Arbitrator’s award regarding the twelve items both parties had previously agreed to. Unfortunately the wording was significantly different from the original arbitrator’s wording, and the Board was unable to agree.
At the suggestion of the Mediator, Mr. Cairns, the meeting ended at 8:00pm. He asked both sides to review past proposals for any common ground, and to return to the next negotiation session on August 29, 2012, with an open mind.
The Board and NFT met in separate rooms as the Mediator shuttled back and forth. The NFT submitted a rewritten proposal of the Arbitrator’s award regarding the twelve items both parties had previously agreed to. Unfortunately the wording was significantly different from the original arbitrator’s wording, and the Board was unable to agree.
At the suggestion of the Mediator, Mr. Cairns, the meeting ended at 8:00pm. He asked both sides to review past proposals for any common ground, and to return to the next negotiation session on August 29, 2012, with an open mind.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Board's Offer for More Sessions
The following email from Ritchie Webb to Louise Boyd, sent on Monday, August 13, 2012, extends the Board's offer for more frequent negotiations to the NFT with the provision that NFT attorney Tom Jennings be present at future sessions in his role as lead negotiator. This email was submitted to Judge Baldi during Tuesday's hearing (8/14/2012) to demonstrate the Board's willingness to continue negotiations in good faith.
Dear Ms. Boyd:
As you are very well aware there has been an extraordinary amount of energy expended by the NFT, including multiple court filings seeking more bargaining. The idea of “more is better” is sometimes correct. The District does not necessarily believe that to be the case in these negotiations because a settlement could take place quickly if the NFT had a sincere desire to address the District concerns. However, in order to give NFT a major opportunity to deliver a settlement the District advises you as follows. Our Board and Negotiation Team has agreed to allow Mr. Sweet, it’s chief negotiator, effective immediately, to make himself available for every day, all day bargaining . The remainder of the Neshaminy Board negotiation team in this intensive bargaining process is committed to attending as many bargaining sessions as possible within the constraints placed on each of its members by jobs and other commitments.
You are assured that Mr. Sweet continues to have authority, subject to a final public vote by the Board, to reach a tentative agreement on behalf of the District. Mr. Sweet will be in constant contact with the District negotiating team, updating it on the progress of negotiations much as we do now, when a member is absent due to work, commitments or illness.
The only condition the District places on starting this process is that the NFT commit to Mr. Jennings’ participation for the entire length of each bargaining session. With due respect to Mr. Gelman, who has replaced Mr. Jennings at numerous sessions, Mr. Jennings has been the chief negotiator for the NFT throughout the entire negotiations. As we enter this critical phase of bargaining, the District believes his committed presence at all sessions is crucial to the success of the process.
The District has decided to accept the NFT’s request for intensive bargaining because it is attempting to create the best environment it can for a successful resolution to these negotiations. The District can only assume, since the NFT is clamouring for these intensive bargaining sessions that it has proposals to make to address the District’s needs in these negotiations.
Please confirm the NFT’s commitment to this process with the single condition noted above and have Mr. Jennings contact Mr. Sweet as soon as possible so that dates for bargaining can be scheduled immediately. While it would be the District’s preference to have the Mediator in attendance at each session, Mr. Sweet is prepared to meet without the Mediator in the event he is not available.
Dear Ms. Boyd:
As you are very well aware there has been an extraordinary amount of energy expended by the NFT, including multiple court filings seeking more bargaining. The idea of “more is better” is sometimes correct. The District does not necessarily believe that to be the case in these negotiations because a settlement could take place quickly if the NFT had a sincere desire to address the District concerns. However, in order to give NFT a major opportunity to deliver a settlement the District advises you as follows. Our Board and Negotiation Team has agreed to allow Mr. Sweet, it’s chief negotiator, effective immediately, to make himself available for every day, all day bargaining . The remainder of the Neshaminy Board negotiation team in this intensive bargaining process is committed to attending as many bargaining sessions as possible within the constraints placed on each of its members by jobs and other commitments.
You are assured that Mr. Sweet continues to have authority, subject to a final public vote by the Board, to reach a tentative agreement on behalf of the District. Mr. Sweet will be in constant contact with the District negotiating team, updating it on the progress of negotiations much as we do now, when a member is absent due to work, commitments or illness.
The only condition the District places on starting this process is that the NFT commit to Mr. Jennings’ participation for the entire length of each bargaining session. With due respect to Mr. Gelman, who has replaced Mr. Jennings at numerous sessions, Mr. Jennings has been the chief negotiator for the NFT throughout the entire negotiations. As we enter this critical phase of bargaining, the District believes his committed presence at all sessions is crucial to the success of the process.
The District has decided to accept the NFT’s request for intensive bargaining because it is attempting to create the best environment it can for a successful resolution to these negotiations. The District can only assume, since the NFT is clamouring for these intensive bargaining sessions that it has proposals to make to address the District’s needs in these negotiations.
Please confirm the NFT’s commitment to this process with the single condition noted above and have Mr. Jennings contact Mr. Sweet as soon as possible so that dates for bargaining can be scheduled immediately. While it would be the District’s preference to have the Mediator in attendance at each session, Mr. Sweet is prepared to meet without the Mediator in the event he is not available.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
A Note of Thanks
I don't think I can ever find the words to properly thank our community for the unwavering support it has shown this Board throughout our negotiations with the NFT. This afternoon's hearing at the Bucks County Courthouse is a perfect example of your commitment to Neshaminy.
Imagine my surprise as I'm walking to the courthouse, and I come upon a group of 18 residents who took time off from their jobs to participate in a rally of support, undaunted by the threat of severely inclement weather. Most of these residents joined us in the courtroom, which made the judge's ruling in the Board's favor all the more gratifying.
Whether you attended today's rally, or come to school board meetings, or voice your opinion on social media pages, your support means more to us than you can possibly know.
On behalf of the entire School Board, I thank all of you!
Sincerely,
Ritchie Webb
Imagine my surprise as I'm walking to the courthouse, and I come upon a group of 18 residents who took time off from their jobs to participate in a rally of support, undaunted by the threat of severely inclement weather. Most of these residents joined us in the courtroom, which made the judge's ruling in the Board's favor all the more gratifying.
Whether you attended today's rally, or come to school board meetings, or voice your opinion on social media pages, your support means more to us than you can possibly know.
On behalf of the entire School Board, I thank all of you!
Sincerely,
Ritchie Webb
Thursday, August 9, 2012
NFT Creates "Toxic Atmosphere"
Meeting # 46, Neshaminy Contract Negotiations Update
The meeting began at 6:35pm.
The negotiation session went as expected. The NFT had no intention of negotiating in good faith, instead putting all their hope in a Bucks County judge to negotiate for them.
At the negotiating table, NFT Lead Negotiator, Tom Jennings, continued to create a toxic atmosphere that was not conducive to productive negotiations. It is the Board's position that videotaping of the sessions would produce some results and eliminate the hostile atmosphere.
Before the meeting ended, the NFT requested updated employee numbers since we have layed off some certified staff and cut programs. The NFT apparently feels entitled to any savings as a result of staff attrition.
We are disturbed by the NFT's lack of commitment to these negotiation sessions. The Board already agreed to reschedule yesterday's meeting to today at the request of Mr. Jennings. Tonight he requested for the second time to move a scheduled meeting, this time from August 15th to August 16th. When asked for a reason why the change was needed, Mr. Jennings refused to answer. It was only due to the strong encouragement of the Mediator that the Board agreed to accommodate this second request.
The next meeting will be held next Thursday, August 16, 2012.
The meeting began at 6:35pm.
The negotiation session went as expected. The NFT had no intention of negotiating in good faith, instead putting all their hope in a Bucks County judge to negotiate for them.
At the negotiating table, NFT Lead Negotiator, Tom Jennings, continued to create a toxic atmosphere that was not conducive to productive negotiations. It is the Board's position that videotaping of the sessions would produce some results and eliminate the hostile atmosphere.
Before the meeting ended, the NFT requested updated employee numbers since we have layed off some certified staff and cut programs. The NFT apparently feels entitled to any savings as a result of staff attrition.
We are disturbed by the NFT's lack of commitment to these negotiation sessions. The Board already agreed to reschedule yesterday's meeting to today at the request of Mr. Jennings. Tonight he requested for the second time to move a scheduled meeting, this time from August 15th to August 16th. When asked for a reason why the change was needed, Mr. Jennings refused to answer. It was only due to the strong encouragement of the Mediator that the Board agreed to accommodate this second request.
The next meeting will be held next Thursday, August 16, 2012.
Friday, August 3, 2012
NFT Again Seeks Judge's Intervention
Earlier today we learned that the NFT filed a request with Judge Robert Baldi seeking his intervention in our contract impasse. While I am not surprised by this move, I am disappointed by the hypocrisy of union negotiators as they claim it is the School Board that is not negotiating in good faith.
The last proposal from the NFT would have cost us over $21 million in the first year alone! That increase is more than 12 times the taxing authority we are currently afforded under Act 1. Even if we raised taxes to the Act 1 limit, we would still fall short by nearly $20 million. We could slash every nonessential curriculum program in business, music and art, and still we wouldn’t have enough money.
As if the costs of the NFT offer aren’t daunting enough, the union doesn’t even want to acknowledge the staggering $100+ million jump in Neshaminy’s PSERS contributions** over the next 10 years.
Recent actions by the union negotiation team demonstrate they have no desire to help us achieve an affordable, sustainable contract. Lead negotiator, attorney Tom Jennings, has missed 4 of the last 5 negotiation sessions. And NFT President, Louise Boyd, admitted on Facebook that she arbitrarily skipped a recent session because she didn’t like how the meeting was progressing.
The NFT can complain all they want that the Board is being inflexible because when it comes to our students, we are inflexible. The bottom line here is simple and clear – we are trying to preserve, if not improve, our educational programs; the NFT’s contract demands will decimate them.
When you consider all the financial and educational concerns confronting Neshaminy, it’s quite obvious which side isn’t negotiating in good faith. The Board is trying to save a school district. The NFT is trying to protect the status quo.
Sincerely,
Ritchie Webb
(**) Currently the State reimburses school districts for 50% of their PSERS contributions, however that contribution is subject to change or even elimination.
The last proposal from the NFT would have cost us over $21 million in the first year alone! That increase is more than 12 times the taxing authority we are currently afforded under Act 1. Even if we raised taxes to the Act 1 limit, we would still fall short by nearly $20 million. We could slash every nonessential curriculum program in business, music and art, and still we wouldn’t have enough money.
As if the costs of the NFT offer aren’t daunting enough, the union doesn’t even want to acknowledge the staggering $100+ million jump in Neshaminy’s PSERS contributions** over the next 10 years.
Recent actions by the union negotiation team demonstrate they have no desire to help us achieve an affordable, sustainable contract. Lead negotiator, attorney Tom Jennings, has missed 4 of the last 5 negotiation sessions. And NFT President, Louise Boyd, admitted on Facebook that she arbitrarily skipped a recent session because she didn’t like how the meeting was progressing.
The NFT can complain all they want that the Board is being inflexible because when it comes to our students, we are inflexible. The bottom line here is simple and clear – we are trying to preserve, if not improve, our educational programs; the NFT’s contract demands will decimate them.
When you consider all the financial and educational concerns confronting Neshaminy, it’s quite obvious which side isn’t negotiating in good faith. The Board is trying to save a school district. The NFT is trying to protect the status quo.
Sincerely,
Ritchie Webb
(**) Currently the State reimburses school districts for 50% of their PSERS contributions, however that contribution is subject to change or even elimination.
Monday, July 30, 2012
NFT's Failure to Compromise on Work Day Stalls Talks
Meeting #45, Neshaminy Contract Talks:
The NFT lead negotiator Tom Jennings was not present for the session, marking the fourth meeting out of the last five that he has not been in attendance. His absence creates a hindrance to the negotiation process.
Both sides met face to face for 20 minutes, and then met in separate rooms while the mediators shuttled back and forth.
The Board provided its latest offer in writing to the NFT, again proposing to agree as part of a contract to the twelve items that were part of the recent arbitrator's decision, and signed off by the NSD Board attorney, Chuck Sweet and the NFT attorney, Tom Jennings.
The point of contention which prevents progress is on one item; the language surrounding the length of the work day. The board proposed an 8 hour work day; the NFT wants to keep the current 7 hour work day. The arbitrator proposed a compromise of a 7 ½ hour work day.
In an effort to further negotiations, the Board agreed with the arbitrator for a 7 ½ hour work day. The NFT however refused to compromise. This issue remains unsettled, and prevents agreement on the list of twelve items.
The most distressing thing about this evening’s meeting is the NFT’s unwillingness to even try to negotiate. It’s like they just mailed it in tonight.
Perhaps this being done as a way of bettering their position as they seek a judge’s intervention, which is unfortunate because such a strategy helps neither side and is doomed to failure.
Despite all this, the NFT continues to seek an unaffordable contract that will hurl the district well beyond the financial limits of Act 1, which will in turn force the Board to slash student programs. Such an outcome violates this Board’s guiding principle of erring on the side of our kids, and therefore is not an option for us.
Once again the Board asked for a negotiation session on 9/6/2012. The NFT refused to respond to the mediator this evening, but said it would respond to the mediator in writing this week.
Meeting #46 is scheduled for Wednesday, 8/8/2012.
The NFT lead negotiator Tom Jennings was not present for the session, marking the fourth meeting out of the last five that he has not been in attendance. His absence creates a hindrance to the negotiation process.
Both sides met face to face for 20 minutes, and then met in separate rooms while the mediators shuttled back and forth.
The Board provided its latest offer in writing to the NFT, again proposing to agree as part of a contract to the twelve items that were part of the recent arbitrator's decision, and signed off by the NSD Board attorney, Chuck Sweet and the NFT attorney, Tom Jennings.
The point of contention which prevents progress is on one item; the language surrounding the length of the work day. The board proposed an 8 hour work day; the NFT wants to keep the current 7 hour work day. The arbitrator proposed a compromise of a 7 ½ hour work day.
In an effort to further negotiations, the Board agreed with the arbitrator for a 7 ½ hour work day. The NFT however refused to compromise. This issue remains unsettled, and prevents agreement on the list of twelve items.
The most distressing thing about this evening’s meeting is the NFT’s unwillingness to even try to negotiate. It’s like they just mailed it in tonight.
Perhaps this being done as a way of bettering their position as they seek a judge’s intervention, which is unfortunate because such a strategy helps neither side and is doomed to failure.
Despite all this, the NFT continues to seek an unaffordable contract that will hurl the district well beyond the financial limits of Act 1, which will in turn force the Board to slash student programs. Such an outcome violates this Board’s guiding principle of erring on the side of our kids, and therefore is not an option for us.
Once again the Board asked for a negotiation session on 9/6/2012. The NFT refused to respond to the mediator this evening, but said it would respond to the mediator in writing this week.
Meeting #46 is scheduled for Wednesday, 8/8/2012.
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