After what was described as two weeks of “marathon” talks, negotiators for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District and it teachers have reached a tentative deal for a new contract.
The agreement, announced late Friday night, must still be ratified by the teachers rank and file and the Board of Education. The terms of the deal are being kept confidential until both sides formally agree — the teachers are expected to vote some time this week, while the board may hold a special meeting to ratify the deal (assuming rank-and-file approval), or at the work session scheduled for Sept. 12.
The teachers have been without a contract since June, 2010 and the negotiations have been marked by disputes over financial numbers.
After requesting a fact-finders report–and then rejecting it, which pretty much flies in the face of what is standard operating procedure in any union/management negotiation–and now having their own negotiating team agree to a tentative contract, I sure hope the UCFSD teachers are educated enought to accept this deal. Another “refusal” or “rejection” I believe will turn what parents still support the teachers against them. Fair and equitable are defined differently by different individuals, most likely based on economic circumstance. I’m bettting the proposed contract is more than fair and equitable based on my family’s definition. VOTE YES!
I’m sure both sides got a little of what they wanted, after all, isn’t that what compromise and negotiations are all about. Thank you UCFSD school board and thank you UCFEA for sitting down, putting in the time, and getting something done.
Ray, you’re so original!! If the district did catch a break, then they should be prepared to “catch up” in 3-4 years when the next contract comes due and the economy is better!
Dad, Ray:
In the immortal words of Rodney King: “can’t we all just get along?” The deal is done and as I noted previously, the hope is that it is as fair as possible to both sides, so that neither side feels the need next time to “get theirs back.”
And in a different economy, things would be different. Also, its not about catching up. It should be about what is fair at the time. Our teachers must be fairly high on the pay scale statewide or else we would have heard about that. Since we didn’t, it makes me think that they are well compensated. All the citizens want is fairness, plain and simple. And no one can argue against that my friend.
Looks like the teachers union finally came to their senses!
Ray Farrell
Pocopson, PA
Agreed!!!
Looks like the school board finally came to their senses!
I’ll wait for “official” word, but this is great news!
The statement the school district put out last night isn’t official enough?
Mike: by “official word” I meant the vote.
Ah. Hopefully, that will be in the next few days.