Post date: Aug 14, 2015 10:37:12 PM
Dear Leaders,
We need your help and support!!!!! The East Liverpool Education Association is fighting for a voice in their students’ education. Please share this with all of your local members.
The East Liverpool Education Association (ELEA) and the board exchanged initial proposals on August 13, 2014. This initial meeting was delayed till August as a good faith measure by the ELEA bargaining team to work with a new superintendent, Melissa Watson, at the bargaining table. So what does Dr. Watson and her board pass across the table, an initial proposal full of top down management power removing the collaborative voice of the union in decisions that would ultimately affect the success of the East Liverpool students. While on the other hand the union initial proposal supported its members so that they could excel in an environment that supported teachers and student success. Quickly, the ELEA bargaining team determined that this Board and the new superintendent were not there to reach a fair and equitable agreement. After a few sessions that produced nothing, impasse was declared on September 29, 2014. The Board continued to delay negotiations by not providing dates to mediate. Mediation was not scheduled until December 1, 2014. Mediation session after session, the Board and its attorney, Kevin Locke of the firm Pepple and Waggonner, repeatedly came to the bargaining table unwilling to negotiate or to reach any resolution on any issues. On March 27, 2014, the Board walked into the final mediation session and refused to look at or consider any counter proposals from the ELEA instead they presented the ELEA with a Last Packaged Offer. This package was chockfull of top down management terms. In April, after the Board declared ultimate impasse through a press release to the media, the ELEA, unanimously authorized its bargaining team to issue a 10-day strike notice. On April 10th the Board took the action of implementing the terms of the Last Packaged Offer. The negotiated agreement expired on August 31, 2014.
The ELEA is preparing for the worst. On Aug 10th at a board meeting with members and community present, the Board once again refused to answer the request to return to the table by the ELEA bargaining team. The Board has not responded to a public records request so we can only assume they have agreed to employ the services of Huffmaster – a strike management resource company with a rather controversial history. As each day draws closer to a potential strike, the members of the ELEA could use your support. They stand together, continuing to foster and garner community support - sending the message that the Board that the ELEA is and has been willing and ready to negotiate a fair and equitable contract. However, knowing that fellow education professionals stand with them will help to keep their morale high and their enthusiasm elevated. Together We Can!!
Letters of encouragement or donations can be sent to
East Liverpool Education Association
C/O Sharon Caiazza, ELEA Treasurer
P.O. Box 2602,
East Liverpool, Ohio 43920
The East Liverpool Education Association (ELEA) represents approximately 185 certified teaching employees. Stay connected to the ELEA by linking to them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eastliverpool.educationassociation
Sincerely,
Alison Hoffa – Crisis Coordinator
Bob Matkowski – Organizing Coordinator
Sarah Drinkard – Communications Coordinator