For Immediate Release
Nov. 17, 2021
Contact:
Rosemary Boland
570-343-3911
sftlocal1147@epix.com
SFT’s Boland: School Leaders Playing a Nasty Game of Retribution
SCRANTON, Pa.—Statement by Scranton Federation of Teachers President Rosemary Boland on what happened today at the bargaining table:
“It continues to be clear that the school district, the school board and Chief Recovery Officer Candis Finan have no desire to reach a fair settlement and get students back into classrooms. The optimistic news is that both sides exchanged packages that had equivalent salary proposals. The bad news is that the package proposed by Finan and the school district asked teachers and paraprofessionals for greater financial concessions. These concessions include cuts in healthcare, retirement and staff, despite the loss of more than 100 educators in the last two years. The union soundly rejects staff reductions because it would exacerbate already overcrowded classrooms. The day ended with the school leaders, represented by Finan-controlled solicitor John Audi, rejecting the union’s entire package.
“The district, board and Finan are now playing a nasty game of retribution because educators are standing up for our students and getting overwhelming public support. We will keep our word to our students, parents and the wider Scranton community that we will be straight shooters at the table by offering realistic proposals that are fair to teachers and paraprofessionals and good for kids. We are committed to negotiating around the clock to get our students back in their classrooms.”
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