School Board president calls the tactic “particularly troubling." Geneva Education Association president calls the board's account of the negotiations "disturbing." Negotiations continue Nov. 6.
Geneva School Board President Mark Grosso said in a District 304 press release Tuesday that the Geneva teachers union was filing for a strike five hours before talks ended Friday.
The Geneva Education Association countered with its own press release Tuesday evening, posted on the gea4students website, calling the School Board's accusations "disturbing" and saying it had to file at that time to make a 4:30 p.m. deadline with the Kane County Regional Office of Education and the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.
Both sides said they made dramatic movement from their posted final offers and acknowledged that a settlement appeared to be in reach during the 12-hour Friday bargaining session.
“What is particularly troubling is that, while the union was supposedly evaluating the board’s latest proposal, it was instead drafting and filing its notice of intent to strike with county and state officials,” Grosso said.
The District 304 press release says the board learned Monday, Oct. 29, that the GEA had filed its strike notice while the parties were in the midst of the bargaining session.
GEA President Carol Young told the Kane County Chronicle that the filing simply was a matter of trying to hit the deadline before those offices closed for the weekend. Her statement was reiterated in the GEA press release posted Tuesday evening.
"We filed this (strike) notice while continuing to negotiate, hoping it would not be used," the GEA press release said. "We were fully engaged at that time with formulating an offer to the board which included a freeze in the first year and which we hoped would be agreed upon by the board, thus making the Intent to Strike null and void. This, however, did not happen."
The previous three-year contract expired Aug. 15. Since then, teachers have been working with pay according to the salary levels set for the 2011-12 school year.
The parties are scheduled to continue talks with the help of the federal mediator on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Friday's Sequence of Events
The School Board said it delivered a proposal at 2 p.m. that included a base salary in the first year, a 1.65 percent increase in the second year and a 2.75 percent increase in the third year.
That proposal would have allowed multiple lane salary increases in year one and one lane increase in years two and three of a three-year contract.
Under the previous contract, each lane movement—awarded for completion of eight hours of advanced degree coursework—increased a salary by a minimum of 2.65 percent.
"Upon receiving the board’s offer, the union team met privately until approximately 5:30 p.m., presumably for the purpose of evaluating the board’s offer and crafting a response," Grosso said. "Instead, the union was drafting and filing its notice of intent to strike with county and state authorities. The union did not return to meet with the board’s negotiators until a full hour after it had filed its notice of intent to strike with county and state authorities.
"When the union finally returned to meet with the board, the union had no formal proposal to tender, but instead offered to discuss concepts for settlement."
According to the District 304 release, the union presented the board with a proposal at 6:45 p.m. that included:
At 9:45 p.m. Friday the union handed its notice of intent to strike to the board’s negotiators.
'Shuffling' Demands
“The Board of Education is deeply concerned that, while the board has made substantial strides in its effort to settle this matter, the union is simply shuffling its last demand between years without any meaningful concessions,” Grosso said.
"It is apparent that, while the board has been diligently working since February to achieve an agreement that is good for students, fair to teachers, and fiscally responsible, the union is intent in having the district’s teachers walk off the job in an effort to shut down our schools.”
The GEA press release calls the board's account of the negotiations "disturbing."
"Our offers have come down more than 2.5 percent since June and our previous offer was over $1 million less in total cost to the district than our Oct. 5 offer. That is certainly not 'shuffling between years,' " the GEA press release says. "It is a good faith effort to settle this contract, which we were fully prepared to do on Friday evening."
The gea4students website says the teachers union is doing all it can to avoid a strike.
"We fervently hope we will not have to go on strike and have tried very hard to do nothing that would negatively impact students.
"What the teachers have not done is anything which negatively impacts the education of the students. We care deeply about each and every child we teach and do not want to be forced into doing anything that would impact those students’ education!" the GEA homepage statement says. "But, to be working without a contract is unacceptable, and for the board to refuse to make any further offers shows they are no longer willing to work together to solve this problem. Neither side can stonewall the negotiation process! Please let the School Board know that you want this contract settled NOW!"
The GEA press release says the board's negotiating team needed to call a special board meeting in order to confer with the other board members about a possible agreement. According to the Open Meetings Act, a public body cannot convene a quorum of board members without posting a meeting notice.
"This meant that we would not be able to negotiate again for a full 10 days until Nov. 6, three days before a possible strike," the GEA press release said. "One would think that if they were truly interested in good faith bargaining that timetable could have been moved up considerably."
What's Next
Grosso said the board "will continue to negotiate in good faith" but is preparing a plan if teachers strike. That could happen as soon as Nov. 9. The GEA said it is "ready and willing to negotiate with the board in good faith as soon as the board is willing to meet. We are still hopeful that a settlement can be reached."
The School Board said it will communicate with parents and the community regarding plans during a strike via the district’s emergency notification system, 304Connects emails, and the board’s negotiations webpage.
Both sides say they appreciate the community's support.
"The Board of Education is deeply appreciative and humbled by the overwhelming community support it has received since the union declared impasse," the School District press release said. "Unfortunately, the amount of correspondence received by board members is simply too great to allow personal responses to each. The public is encouraged, however, to continue communicating with the board on this very important matter."
Jeff Ward
4:11 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Alright! Before everyone goes into yet another case of collective conniptions, this is just another step in the arduous process known as "negotiations." The only difference between today and yesterday is, now it's moved into the "in your face stage."
What does this GEA move mean? It means they're willing to take this one down to the wire - nothing more and nothing less. There's no more chance of a strike today than there was yesterday. Do I think filing the intent to strike while they're sitting at the table is a good strategy? It's not what I would do, but no one asked me.
So armed with some obvious political capital, the board struck back in the court of public opinion (we'll cover that tomorrow). In fact, I would say the board has checked the union's king. But as any chess player already knows, that doesn't mean the game is over by any means.
Jeff
Have some perspective folks - it's a negotiation.
Mike
4:30 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Nothing the GEA does surprises me at this point.
President Grosso and the rest of the board - thank you again for the hours you are putting in an trying to keep the contract reasonable. But with all due respect, the 3.975 increase in year 3 mentioned in the article seems excessive - please don't be bullied into a bad situation.
Jen Marsh
4:46 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
no words...other than disgusted.
Jen Marsh
5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Blech...
Jen Marsh
5:03 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
frankly, I'd rather not discuss with folks on here, why/how the GEA negotiations "work". ZZZZZZZZZZ
Jeff Ward
5:49 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
And this took three separate comments?
EnoughAlready
5:49 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The old saying is true...actions speak louder then words.
Jen Marsh
6:35 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
bring on the snark...
The Truth
6:48 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
It has been Mr. Grosso's intent from the beginning to attempt to break the union. This has been evident in his approach to the negotiation process. The latest proposal offered by the BOE is pretty much the same as it has been since their first proposal in February. In fact, until this lastest offer, the BOE movement amounted to .19 % over their first offer. I'm sorry, but this is not negotiating. This is insulting the hundreds of dedicated teaching professionals that have invested their lives in the education of Geneva's children. Mr. Grosso's minipulation of the facts and his half truths have only served to strenghten the resolve of these professionals.
Kathy
7:29 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I am really not concerned whether or not there IS a union, so your first statement is irrelevant. And good for the BOE -- this isn't some cheesy used car transaction (no offense to used car professionals!). You don't get to come in high and expect to be met in the middle. The BOE needs to be fiscally responsible while balancing the educational needs of our children. You have a skewed idea of what this negotiation is about. Try not to be insulted, it's not as personal as you are taking it.
Bob McQuillan
1:19 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
The Truth, not to worry Jeff Ward says it is all part of negotiations and everyone knows that Jeff Ward is always right. Even when he is wrong!
Teachers Pet
9:43 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Cody,
Bob's salary or his wife's income are not your business or anyone elses. They are not public empoyees....Pick a better argument or go back to the sand box junior.
Geneva Vikings
6:58 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
For some reason I can't see the previously posted comments...but after all that has gone on with the BOA and the GEA it is apparent that the goal was to strike and force the hand of the BOA. Well Mr. Grosso, please stand firm! The timing is suspect at best (between football and basketball season). It's time to put a plan in place to have willing teachers ready to fill in the spots that are vacated by the striking teacher...enough is enough!
Kathy
7:12 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
No wonder there is mistrust and animosity. Keep up the good work BOE!
Tony Pronenko
7:37 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I know this is a vague, blanket statement; I know it is also a bit "whiny".. I mean if you go to school and get a Doctorate and spend a few years using it educating students then I suppose you probably deserve a high wage. That being said, it still gets me when I look at pages like this: http://goo.gl/iW4vQ and see the numbers that are presented. Then I think... "strike?"
Max
2:05 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tony,
Let's tell it like it is: getting a Doctorate in order to be a classroom teacher in K-12 is just self-massage -- unless it means you get paid more for doing that same job. Then it is also very profitable self-massage.
In addition, if you also have somebody else pay for your profitable self-massage, doesn't that seem just a trifle -- oh, I don't know -- kinky?
Tony Pronenko
7:46 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Of course, as I look through the list more I see teacher(s) that I know from experience with my own children that work very long hours and put much of their own time in for the students benefit and they are making much less percentage wise than others who don't seem to be doing the same.
Bob McQuillan
1:22 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
those teachers that work very long hours and put much of their own time in for the students benefit should be rewarded. Those that don't should not be rewarded the same or better.
Tom Fortune
9:13 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I think the BOE & the GEA should both negotiate behind closed doors and stop reporting back to the public every time they're upset about something. Act like adults...be professional and get this thing done! Stop creating incredible DRAMA in the community.
Bob McQuillan
1:23 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
I think all negotiations should be open to the public. We are the ones going to pay for it in the end. Right now, I don't think they are even meeting and discussing in the same room.
Cody
7:48 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Bob,
Then maybe the customers that do business with the company you work for should be told all the details of negotiating your next pay raise. Or maybe the people at Holy Cross should be notified when your wife is talking about a pay increase as well. Yes, I am attacking your spouse just like you did to the teacher at the meeting.
Max
2:40 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tom,,
The GEA/IEA union had 6-8 months to conduct a sincere negotiation behind closed doors, and they refused to do so. It is obvious now that they purposely manipulated the process at every turn, in order to strike D-304 schools to win their outrageous demands. A few teachers may believe that behavior is OK -- perhaps even take pride in it.
I think such behavior is reprehensible.
Robert Jr.
10:56 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
It is unacceptable to work without a contract.
It is also unacceptable to enter negotiations premeditated to strike if uneconomical terms are demanded. That ensures that there will not be a contract - so the teachers union should take ownership where it is due - it is not as if legitimate contract offers were not made - the teachers union just decided to not accept them. By not accepting the contract offers, the teachers union chose to not have a contract. Choosing to not accept contract offers, and then not working because you do not have a contract turns the blame back onto the union, not the Board, unless the terms offered were unrealistic - from what has been published, I do not see what was considered to be unrealistic terms offered. What am I missing?
There is nothing wrong with asking for more money, raises, and more benefits.
There is also nothing wrong with saying no - not in this economy, and not when the tax payers have expressed concerns about expenditures and debts to be paid.
There is something wrong with spiking pay artificially in order to enable receiving higher pension payouts - that is blatantly wrong and unethical.
The school board apparently did not threaten the teachers union with replacements if the teachers union did not accept the terms offered. However, the teachers union did threaten to boycott employment if their terms were not accepted. Maybe I am missing something - but I see only one party making threats.
Tony Pronenko
11:19 pm on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Fred:
"There is nothing wrong with asking for more money, raises, and more benefits.
There is also nothing wrong with saying no - not in this economy, and not when the tax payers have expressed concerns about expenditures and debts to be paid.
There is something wrong with spiking pay artificially in order to enable receiving higher pension payouts - that is blatantly wrong and unethical."
I completely agree with you Fred. The "union" in this case is only attempting to utilize its collective power to strong-arm negotiations. The GEA has stated that they would "accept a freeze if it would actually help the community" problem is that they do not think it would. They also do not think that a pay raise would haave any effect on property taxes. I think someone needs to get a couple economics teachers to join the party.
Also, one of their points is that they do not want a pay freeze because they are "worried" that it would stop prospective "talent" from coming to the area. I'm sorry, but that IS NOT a worry. Geneva and the surrounding area has never had a problem attracting teachers to the area. There are plenty of teacher candidates who are well worth their pay grade who would probably give up a percentage point or two just to work in this area. Our local students are a joy to work with (in general) when compared to anyplace 20-30 miles plus in any direction.
Our teachers need to stay at work and keep their current deal. It has worked so far..
The Truth
7:48 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Geneva has not had a problem attracting good teachers in the past because the salary structure, beginning salary, and benefits. However, the BOE is would like to reduce all of these. Do you really think that would not have an impact on a new teacher given a choice between a job in Geneva vs Batavia, St Charles, or Naperville? You people over estimate the the quality of candidates out there. Yes there are plenty willing to teach, but there are very few that can. Oh they have the qualifications and the paper work, but it pretty much stops there. Now I know it's hard for you conspiracy theorists to grasp, but, it was never the intention for the GEA to strike. It was not brought up until the BOE said that without a pay freeze, things could not move forward. In terms of the end of career pay increase, a teacher agreeing to it is a commitment to the BOE that the teacher will retire at a set date. The district is then able to plan for future expenses. The district can save as much as 60 to 70K per retiree if you have a teacher retiring after 35 years and you will be hiring a new teacher at 39K. In other words, it's an incentive to leave. Unless of course you would prefer to continue to pay the higher salary. Geez..talk about needing a couple of economic teachers.
Bob McQuillan
1:36 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Within the next three years every district will restructure the way teachers are compensated. They will have to because continuing to increase salaries and benefits is not affordable. Anyone that believes step & lanes will survive the next 5 years doesn't understand what is happening and going to happen. The union understands what they are up against and that is why they are demanding what they are right now.
A teacher announcing their retirement four years in advance doesn't help a district save any money. They save money when the teacher retires, it doesn't take four years to find a replacement. The salary spike services no one except the teacher and to try and say it does is ridiculous.
The issue is that the BOE in Geneva never said no before and the teachers felt they had the support of the community. Well, the BOE has said no and they don't have the support of the community. A strike is the worst thing the teachers could do. I feel sorry for those teachers who understand the GEA is doing the wrong thing. It might be time for them to set the union straight.
Rick Anderson
7:48 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
At www.gea4students.org there is a picture of a banner hanging from a home balcony stating "GENEVA TEACHERS DESERVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT" Doesn't make you think that the message may be getting to the GEA that the community can't afford what they want. Stand tall, Geneva BOE.
Julie
1:29 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
See...this is the garbage I'm talking about. I hope Cody is following these posts because he is upset that the teachers are getting "ripped" all of the time. I don't know about the rest of Geneva, but all of these signs/banners being shoved in our faces make me lose even more respect for the union and the teachers who are supportive of their unrealistic demands. Why does anyone think hanging up/displaying signs like this is going to make us feel differently??? IT'S NOT WORKING IN YOUR FAVOR!!!! If it were, don't you think you'd see more and more popping up?
Rudy
8:56 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Hopefully It won't come to a strike but I support the BOE 100% there is no reason we should not share our good and bad fortunes. I remember in 2008 or 2009 it was questioned whether the BOE should try to renegotiate their contract and they lived up to the contract in good faith even though people were suffering. The statement was made that when the contract expires was the time to negotiate it, That time is now stay strong and please don't cave in to pressure of a strike just move forward and get the subs ready in case of the worst case scenario we WON'T be held hostage.
Rick Nagel
9:54 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
The Geneva Patch homepage isn't updating this morning, due to a Sandy-related glitch that's affecting a small number of Patch sites. Check out the Geneva Patch Facebook page for story updates and links. And please share with friends. http://www.facebook.com/GenevaPatch Twitter: @PatchGeneva
Tony Pronenko
11:20 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Sure, there might not be a huge pool of extremely qualified candidates out there, but there are still candidates none the less. And as for the comment that they may have the qualifications on paper but it stops there.... let me tell you something. In ANY industry/field you have candidates who on paper "fit the bill". But, just like anywhere else, you will not know just how much they actually fit the needs of the position until they have an opportunity to work that position for a time. This is true for any job be it a doctor or a teacher or even a cashier at the local McDonalds. Furthermore, what exactly is wring with a teacher retiring after 35 years with a set date providing it is what the individual wants. Even if it is not what they want, if that is how the system works then that is how the system works. If by doing things in this manner the Board can save money that gets filtered right back into the "system" then I think it is a good thing overall.
The Truth
10:13 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Bob, I didn't say that a teacher announcing their retirement now saves the district money, I said it allow the district to plan for future expenses. Please get your facts straight. You also make assumptions about whether or not the salary structures will remain in place in not only this district but others as well. I also have noticed that you make many assumptions about teacher salaries. The numbers don't explain everything. Such as, a higher salary because the teacher coaches or sponsors many teams or groups, or a higher number because a teacher just finished a masters degree, or a higher number because a teacher came back from a maternity leave or moved from being a part time teacher to a full time teacher. You see the problem is Bob, you may have the numbers but you don't have all the facts as to the reason behind the numbers. And yes, I know there is the 300M mortgage debt, but let's not forget, it was the taxpayers of the town that agreed to take on the debt through a referendum. As to the dispute you have with the BOE over enrollment numbers, that is on the BOE not the teachers. Again I know the conspiracy theorists will refuse to believe this, but it's the truth. The BOE tries to enlist the teachers help to contact voters. Teachers have very little to no say in these decisions.
Bob McQuillan
11:52 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
The Truth
I have my facts correct - the 22.3% increase in salary during a teachers last 4 years inflates their salary so that their pension payments will increase for their lifetime. When, and it is coming, the state passes the pension payments down to the local taxpayers, we will be paying that inflated retirement pension. So are those the future expenses you are taking about - the fact that we will be paying for the salary spikes for the life of the retiree? There is absolutely no reason to increase a teachers salary prior to their retirement. No one can justify it. The state does not breakdown payments for coaching or out of classroom responsibilities but that increase would only be high in the first year, after the first year the increase is nil because those responsibilities don't receive an increase every year. You don't have those numbers either. As to the last referendum, I never blamed the teachers. If what you say about the BOE trying to enlist teachers help to contact voters is true, then that is illegal. The BOE can not try and influence the vote, they can only supply the information. If this happened, the teachers should have filed a report with the Attorney General's office.
The Truth
10:26 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Finally, I see where people write that teachers should give in to the BOE's demands now and then in the furture, when things are better, teachers could ask for an increase. Tell me when that might be? 2 years, 4, 8, 10? Explain to me how that will attract the best teachers. I could picture that interview, " Come work for us and we freeze your salary for ? years. But on the plus side we will pay a small portion of your tuition so you can work towards an advanced degree of which someday we will recognize" " Oh, not good enough for you?, then you must not be a truly good teacher." Man, can't you just seem them flocking to Geneva.
Sue J
12:55 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Not every district provides for tuition reimbursement. 304 has been lucky. However, there have been abuses in this generous gift from the tax payers. Administrative degrees earned that do not benefit the student to start.
Really one salary freeze is going to doom 304's reputation. Get real!
The Truth
10:27 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Apologies for typos.
MH
11:11 pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2012
I have one question, does anyone making comments understand the whole salary structure of a teacher? Lanes and step? Because to me it sure doesn't seem like it. A teacher could be in a lane for multiple years and never receive an increase. Also, a teacher who spent $20K plus in further education could wait a few years to offset that cost. Many professionals in the private sector have that cost covered by their employers and then receive a raise at the completion of the further education. I am all for the debate of the topic, but too many people don't have the real facts on what is going on. Do your homework, and then make a comment. We all live here because our school district is one of the best. You can't have the best without being willing to pay for it.
Bob McQuillan
12:01 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012
In the last contract, every teacher received an automatic 2.65% every year due to step plus any % increase to the base salary. A teacher who spent $20,000 on a Masters Degree had at least 50% of that paid for by the district. The actual repayment was probably closer to 75%. If a teacher stays in the same lane, they still receive the 2.65% step increase, which for the last four has probably been higher than the private sector offered.
Sarah L.
12:42 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Bob- it is not true that all teachers received contributions from the district towards a masters program. There is a waiting list for tuition reimbursement, and non- tenured teachers are not even able to receive tuition reimbursement except in the summer. Most people pay out pocket in full for graduate programs.
Bob McQuillan
10:47 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012
If "most people pay out of pocket in full for graduate programs" then why have a reimbursement program. If "most" are willing to pay then let them. I know of one teacher who just received $7,500 last month in reimbursement.
Thomas
6:30 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Also Bob, If you look at the last contract "every teacher" did not receive an automatic 2.65% increase every year due to step. After a teacher has reached Step 22 (year 22) for those in the "masters" lane or higher they receive a 1.5% "longevity increase". Longevity increases kick in earlier for those below a masters lane.Step 21 for a BA+24. Step 20 for BA+8 and BA+16, and step 17 for a BA only lane. Just trying to give you the facts.
Sue J
12:50 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
I love when the GEA pres states that they have come down substantially. Does that really count when your first offer is ridiculous is this economic climate? Really?
I wish the BOE would stop negotiating with them at this point. My kids can stay home. I do feel sorry for the seniors. What a way to remember your senior year.
Robert Jr.
5:45 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
GEA planned strike to get changes made to contract before the new ammendment to the Illinois Constitution gets voted in, requiring a 3/5 vote to approve any changes to public employee retirement plans. VOTE YEST for the Ammendment!
Any contract with striking teachers should NOT be grandfathered if Ammendment passes.There is no excuse for deceiving tax payers with a coerced falsification of salaries for the last years of service for any employee- anywhere - ever.... for the sole purpose of increasing the costs of retirement benefits to the tax payers...contracts for all public employees should be investigated to see if they have similar clauses, which could nulify the legality of the contracts.