Why are we getting a new contract now?
This is not a new collective bargaining agreement!! This was an addendum to the current agreement that came about from a limited contract reopener requested by NBOE to address our local Teacher shortage problem.
What is a contract reopener?
A reopener is like a bookmark. In our 2019 contract, we had agreed to a Limited Reopener that allows either side to open discussions for making specific negotiated changes to the collective bargaining agreement before the expiration of the contract.
What was the intention of this reopener?
The entire country is going through a massive teacher shortage. In Newark, we have had 250+ teachers resign/retire this year alone with more to come. The district also added record numbers of students in the 2022-2023 school year and is in the process of expanding new schools which is going to require additional hiring. In March, the district approached us to ask for a Limited Contract Reopener to address teacher recruitment and retention.
What was the process?
The Newark Board of Education Negotiations Team presented the district’s proposal to raise the minimum teacher salary to $62,000. The NTU Negotiations Team argued that ALL staff should receive increases. NBOE insisted on keeping it a limited reopener. We negotiated from March until the end of May and were able to hammer out a deal that was agreeable to both sides.
Who approved this agreement?
This addendum to our current contract was negotiated and approved by the NTU and NBOE Negotiations teams respectively and subsequently submitted to President Abeigon who in turn sought and secured approval by the NTU Executive Board in a Special Session on May 30, 2022. The vote was 26 in favor, 2 opposed.
Why weren’t CST’s/Aides/Clerks, etc. included?
The NTU Negotiations Team fought to try and get everyone included, but the NBOE insisted on a Limited Reopener that specifically addressed teacher recruitment and retention. This wasn’t a full contract negotiation where the entire contract is on the table for changes.
What are the benefits of this Reopener for NTU Members?
· Higher starting salary for Recruitment and Retention.
· Higher salaries for Teachers on Steps 1-8.
· Teachers currently on the guides Step 9+ receive an additional $1500 over the next two years above what was already negotiated in this contract.
· Much higher across the board salaries in place to begin negotiations for our next contract.
· NO GIVEBACKS! NO CHANGE OF WORKING CONDITIONS!
What about workload and other retention issues?
This continues to be a major concern for the NTU. As part of the conversation, our Framework Committee continues to work with NBOE on identifying retention issues that can be addressed in the upcoming school year.
When does the current contract end?
June 30, 2024. We will begin those negotiations in the next school year.