I have a graduate certificate in collective bargaining and labor relations from UIS and have sat at the bargaining table on both the labor and management sides. I believe that in labor relations there can be a win-win if the parties are willing to talk and compromise. While no one has called asking my opinion, today I have read the op-eds, all three make valid points and Im offering my opinion to any who might care. I am not aware of any other government employees getting 6% retirement incentive increases compounded for four years. Perhaps this is because the school districts do not have the financial responsibility to pay the employers contribution into TRS – its the States burden. Its always pretty easy to give away someone elses money when you arent the one accountable – so shame on the school boards for shirking their fiduciary responsibility! (Admittedly this is a dramatic improvement from the two-20% compounded increases from several years ago. The Illinois General Assembly realized what was happening and pulled it back to the 6%!) I also dont believe that the District should pay the employee contribution into TRS for administrators – treat everyone EQUALLY! Regarding notification of outbreaks of infectious diseases – everyone – including administrators, teachers, support staff and students should be taught the importance of always using universal precautions! And finally one last suggestion – the parties should agree to a three or four year contract with a wage re-opener in one or two years. While the economy is improving and property values seem to be showing some improvement, no one has any idea what will happen at the state level! Depending on who is elected Governor, there could be many changes with the pension code and sources of funding, there may be additional revenues from taxes, less revenue from taxes or revenues could remain flat. Settle what you can, agree to reopen on the issues of wages and bargain in good faith!
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 23:53:38 +0000
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