Colleagues,
As you have already seen as a result of the ill-advised state budget
that was passed, our District is due to receive approximately 2.0% in
growth funding, and a whopping 0.68% COLA. (Yes, the decimal is in
the right place there, that’s a COLA of less than one percent.)
In preparation of how we might best utilize whatever new monies become
available to us, we have asked the District to provide us with up to
date information regarding the number of employees on each step of all
current salary schedules so we can calculate how much various
scenarios of increases would cost.
Not to be the purveyor of doom and gloom, but keep in mind that these
negotiations will be conducted against the backdrop of the State
delaying payments to the District for three months of the fiscal year,
forcing the District to have to borrow money to remain solvent, in
addition to potential mid-year cuts we may face in January.
Suffice to say, this round of negotiations does not look to be pretty.
As we gather more information in this ever changing budget climate I
will keep you apprised as to where we stand.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or
desire more information.
In Unity,
Jim Mahler, President
AFT Guild, Local 1931