109 Board Charges Union With Scare Tactics

expressed surprise Sunday at the by the calling it a negotiation tactic aimed at influencing parents and the Board.

“It appears that the vote was designed to frighten parents and pressure the Board into agreeing to an unreasonable settlement,” London said in a statement on the District’s website. “We are confused and concerned that the issues do not accurately reflect the proposals presented at the negotiation table.”

In a prepared response Sunday from the union, the DEA contends it is explaining its position and not trying to influence anyone.

“Our release on Friday wasn’t given out to frighten but to explain,” the statement said. “We believed we owed that explanation to the people of Deerfield so that they would know why we took the action that we did.”

The Union has planned a demonstration at 6:15 p.m. today in front of Shepard Middle School prior to the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting, according to Union President Dennis Jensen. .

London also charges the DEA was too quick to authorize a strike if Union leaders feel an impasse has been reached based on her view of the current status of contract talks.

“We are deeply disappointed that the Deerfield Education took a strike vote on Friday,” London said. “The vote was precipitous. Neither the Board nor the DEA has declared impasse.” Jensen said Saturday he would not rule out declaring an impasse at any time.

While the DEA news release Friday dealt with work place rules, special education and teacher evaluation as well as compensation, the Board response put more emphasis on the pay package.

According to London, the teachers want a 19 percent pay hike over three years, no change in the board paid retirement plan which could cost $100,000 per teacher and no changes in health care coverage. “In the current economic climate, it would not be fiscally responsible,” she said.

In its prepared response, the union said the last compensation offer from the board proposed an increase of two percent per year over the next three years. Jensen has said on several occasions compensation is the last hurdle to be cleared.

“We understand that this is a negotiation,” the DEA statement said likening it to a real estate transaction. “The buyer doesn’t tell the seller the most that he or she is willing to spend nor does the seller state the least that he or she is willing to take.”

Both sides remain positive a settlement satisfactory to both sides will be reached. “We are confident that if both sides act in good faith a reasonable settlement will be reached,” the Union statement said.

London agrees. “We have a long way to go but we are hopeful we can continue to make progress and reach a fair settlement that preserves the financial integrity of this school district, and enhances the ability of our teachers and administrators to work together in meeting the needs of our students,” she said.