MEMBERSHIP AUTHORIZES FACT-FINDING; OTHER
ACTIONS
At the general membership meeting of the Paterson
Education Association held on December 21, President Tirri
reported on the facts presented above, and indicated that it
did not appear that the District leadership has any intent
to resolve the contract dispute which has separated the
parties since Commissioner of Education William Librera
interfered with the tentative agreement that had been
reached with former State District Superintendent Dr. Edwin
Duroy and Murray.
Tirri also indicated that it was his belief that
Librera's rejection came as a result of Librera's obvious
dislike for Duroy, noting that Librera had never voiced
objection to the specifics of the package, but rather that
"formal negotiations" which involved the Board of Education
members had not taken place. (NOTE: P.E.A. cannot
influence, or even attempt to influence, who serves as the
representatives of the Board of Education. The
COMMISSIONER, on the other hand, can.)
A motion, presented by Tirri on behalf of the Negotiating
Team, was presented requesting that the membership:
"Grants the Negotiating Team the authority to proceed to
the Fact Finding process, and further authorizes the
Association to call job actions if, in their opinion, the
management shows recalcitrance in settling a new
contract."
After some discussion by members of the Association, the
motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
With the adoption of the above motion, the Association
will file its demand for fact finding, and await the
assignment of a fact finder.
The Association's membership continues to act in a
responsible, rational and professional manner, even in the
face of the frenzy exhibited by management, who seems intent
upon insulting the Association's membership with its public
bargaining notices. Negotiations in public only create
disharmony and always result in long, drawn out and bitter
negotiations. P.E.A. hopes to get back to the bargaining
table as quickly as possible with the Fact-Finder.
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