By: Nick Buglione
Some 700 teachers from East Meadow's nine schools have been without a contract since their five-year deal expired on Aug. 31. Though EMTA representatives and the district met four times, beginning in May, to hammer out a new five-year contract, the two couldn't come to terms, and a mediator was brought in to facilitate the collective-bargaining process.
Yet after two meetings with the mediator, in September and November, the two sides still haven't reached an agreement. EMTA President John Gallagher said there were some encouraging signs at the last meeting, however.
"What we did the last time was actually sit across from each other and talk," Gallagher said. "It's something we hadn't done since July."
The union was hoping that negotiation talks with district officials would continue in between mediation sessions, but they haven't.
"Their position is to defer to the process," said John Gallagher, EMTA president. "We've been more than willing to meet in between these mediation sessions. It comes across to me as delay tactics to keep us at bay."
School district officials point the finger at the union, though, charging that their unrealistic demands precipitated the impasse. "The parties need to be very optimistic and believe reason will prevail on the part of everyone," said Leon Campo, East Meadow School District deputy superintendent.
Coming into negotiations, the union put together a list of about 50 demands that far exceeded what the district could accommodate, Campo said. Since then it has reduced its list to 35 demands, the union said.
The district also produced a list of 10 proposals it wants from EMTA, which include a health insurance concession that has the union up in arms. Citing skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the district wants teachers to put more money into their plan. They currently contribute 15 percent, but the district wants to kick that up to 25 percent.
A third meeting with the mediator is set for Jan. 6, 2005. The New York state Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) provides the mediator. The board offers three mediation sessions at the state's expense.
Since teachers are considered public employees, the Taylor Law prevents them from going on strike. Until a new deal is reached, they'll continue to work under the terms of their expired contract.
If mediation fails, both parties can enter into what's known as the fact-finding stage. In this stage both sides submit their arguments to another PERB-appointed representative on the specific issues stalling the collective-bargaining talks, such as wages, health insurance and retirement incentives.
After considering all the arguments, the representative offers recommended solutions on each issue.
Comments about this story? Nbuglione@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
