Teachers' Union Hopes Tuesday's Session Ends With Positive Outcome

Submitted by Chris Maher on behalf of the Cary Education Association  Negotiating Team

The Cary Education Association Team received notice earlier today, August 5, 2011, that the Board of Education was declining to enter into interest arbitration.

While this is very disconcerting, the CEA remains hopeful that this means the Board of Education for District 26 is ready to make forward progress by reviewing proposals and both parties making changes so a fair and equitable agreement can be reached.

We cannot stress enough how much the teachers want to be at the table with the BOE. We have told them this many times and finally we are able to get everyone together next week on Tuesday, August 9, 2011.

The CEA recognizes there are hard decisions and concessions need to be made. The teachers are willing to negotiate but will not negotiate against themselves.

It isn't enough that the teachers and willing to give, both sides must be willing to make movement.

The BOE has made it clear that they are not willing to make any more movement thus far. (Hence the reason for calling an impasse).  

A letter received from Jason Larry, District 26 Vice President on August 5, 2011 where he was responding to our request to interest arbitration stated:

"This letter responds to your July 27, 2011 letter. First, I want to reiterate that the Board of Education deems that the parties are, in fact, at impasse. That the Board of Education and Cary Education Association (CEA) team have agreed to meet in a mediation session on August 9th, 2011, in no way affects that status."

"This letter responds to your July 27, 2011 letter. First, I want to reiterate that the Board of Education deems that the parties are, in fact, at impasse. That the Board of Education and Cary Education Association (CEA) team have agreed to meet in a mediation session on August 9th, 2011, in no way affects that status."

"This letter responds to your July 27, 2011 letter.

First, I want to reiterate that the Board of Education deems that the parties are, in fact, at impasse. That the Board of Education and Cary Education Association (CEA) team have agreed to meet in a mediation session on August 9th, 2011, in no way affects that status."

It is our sincerest hope, as it has been every time we meet with the BOE, that they are willing to truly enter into the room ready to "give and take".

Unfortunately, that has not been the case and Mr. Larry’s comment makes it unclear that the BOE is really coming to the table ready and willing to make movement.

On Tuesday, August 9th, the CEA negotiating team will enter the room with our hearts set on finding the balance necessary to produce a fair and equitable contract that night.

It is our hope we will end our session with a positive outcome for everyone.

Submitted by Chris Maher on behalf of the Cary Education Association  Negotiating Team