Members of the Fall River Educators’ Association this week rallied to express their concerns over the current negotiations on a new contract.
Speaking before the school committee on Monday, Letourneau school teacher Kristen Rousell argued this is the year the city invests in teachers to bring pay up to a level of those in regional gateway cities.
Jennifer Rezendes teaches middle school math and verbalized the frustration of many long-term city teachers.
The union and school department are still far apart on their offers. The union is looking for an average pay increase of 9.3 percent in the first year and 10.4 percent in years two and three…With steeper increases for teachers higher on the pay grid.
The city’s latest offer is for a five percent increase in year one and three percent hikes in years two and three.
FREA president Keith Michon says the union stands by its call for a large pay hike, especially in light of the school department receiving an increase in funding from the state.
Mayor Paul Coogan, chair of the school committee, says the teachers deserve a sizable raise, but not all at once.
The next bargaining session is set for August 14. The mayor has asked union leaders to meet more frequently to ensure a deal is struck before the beginning of the school year.
Mr. Michon says there has been no talk of union action if a new contract is not settled by opening day.
Mr. Michon says for many rank-and-file members their affection for their job and fall river conflicts with making ends meet.
The FREA is holding a community meeting with parents next Tuesday, July 23rd at 5 pm at the Fall River Public Library to update them on the negotiations and answer questions.
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