UNITED TEACHERS OF NORTHPORT
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
UPDATE # 18
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2011

The UTN Negotiations Team met with District representatives and mediator Robert Simmelkjaer last evening. It remains evident that the District continues its unwillingness to move from its position on a number of crucial elements in the negotiations process. Despite the efforts of Mr. Simmelkjaer and members of the UTN Negotiations Team, there was no movement on the part of the District. It is disappointing that thirteen months after the commencement of talks, after now seventeen sessions, and with multiple offers to discuss options which would have realized multi-million dollar savings to the District, we are not any further along than when we first began.
It must also be noted that this negotiation is based on much more than finances. It is vital that the Union and District participate in a meaningful dialogue regarding the APPR. The future of our profession is contingent upon appropriate negotiation of the future evaluation process. The Negotiations Team looks forward to discussing all components of the APPR which have statutorily been mandated to be collectively bargained.

The Negotiations Team will meet later this week to further discuss this mediation session and to plan for future sessions. At this point, our next session has yet to be scheduled.

On behalf of the Negotiations Team, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the well over 300 members who participated in last evening’s Solidarity Walk prior to the mediation session. Once again, we have made our presence known to the District and community and have demonstrated that we are the United Teachers of Northport, we stand TOGETHER, we stand UNITED and we stand STRONG! We
thank you, our membership, for your continued support! Your attendance at, and participation in, our various solidarity events has been greatly appreciated.

In unity,

Antoinette