Yesterday was interesting and slightly productive. We still haven't reached a settlement with the board and management team but I feel we are getting closer. And by getting closer, that means they are starting to cave thus we're seeing a dent in their stubbornness.
As you may recall, yesterday's negotiations were lead by a federally funded mediator. He came in (late of course...stuck in traffic but he called and messaged our LRC - labor relation consultant) and immediately pulled our two groups together to get background and find where we were stuck. He then separated us so that he could talk to each group individually (their side first). Now, remember, when we last met, the "good guys" gave our ultimate salary proposal which included getting our steps returned to us (over a two year period), and an increase on base (3.5% and then 3%) with the understanding that we would go to an HSA (health savings account). Immediately, upon hearing this at our last meeting, the lawyer, without caucusing, declared an impasse (seems every negotiation he's currently in - 3 other districts - they are at an impasse). Back to yesterday - the mediator comes in after talking to the "bad guys" and they've offered our steps back (the mediator told us we would never get these) but only a 1% on base. Nope! Not good enough. Basically that one percent would never be seen because of the amount we pay to our retirement. And not everyone will see those added steps because not everyone was employed with the district during the time of the freezes, We countered with a lower increase on base from our original asking (with a few other things) and were told again that we were too far off. We will rejoin next Monday to hopefully get 'er done! We have one more "ace" up our sleeve which I think may give us a winning hand. We'll see.
Now after negotiations, we had an emergency executive union council meeting. A union member (someone who had been up for 3 different seat during the recent election - she lost all) had complaints regarding protocol (4 or 5 different issues). Her posse joined her as back up and all was fine until one of her posse interrupted the head of the election committee as he tried to explain some of what happened. Lets just say I thought for a second they were going to come to blows...I was about to run out of there. There was about 5 seconds of yelling (while Muir looked for a path to the exit) and then the president got it under control. It was really very ridiculous. Anyway - I don't think the member complaining wanted any recountr re-vote, she just wanted to voice her concern at certain things that didn't go well in the election...can't say I disagree with all of what she said. That being said, she is a shit stirrer and she's aligned herself with other shit stirrers and really the all just need to freakin' RELAX!!! Oh well, some people just get off on stirring the shit I guess.
Okay so the weather finally broke and it is cool and breezy and lovely. So happy. We didn't have any major storms in my neck of the woods so YAY! I'll actually be home at my usual time today.
And that's all I've got. We have 12 days left with kids (including today) and I really need to get some boxes to start the massive packing of our room. UGH!
Okay - I'm out. Happy Tuesday! Later!
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