Custodians forced to take about a ten percent pay cut last year when the district told them they had reserves of only 24 million dollars were rightfully angry when they along with the city found out that the district was sitting on over a hundred million dollars.
From the Times Union: Union custodians and food service workers told the board Tuesday night that they should be reimbursed for the $1.1 million in pay and benefit cuts that union took last year.Before the meeting began, a dozen members of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2941 carrying homemade signs picketed outside school district headquarters. Several then spoke during the public comment portion when the meeting began.
Union President Elton Brown said the union never would have agreed to the cuts had it had known the district was sitting on about $100 million in its reserve fund.
At that time, the district said it only had $24 million in the reserve fund. Union members were stunned when they learned through a Times-Union article that the reserves were a lot more, said Brown, who is lead custodian at Arlington Middle School.
The average wage for most members is about $29,000 annually. With the pay cut of 7 percent on top of a previous 3 percent cut in benefits, many union members lost up to about $2,900 in annual salary, he said.
Board Chairwoman Betty Burney assured the union members that the board appreciates their service and dedication. “I'm certain you will be hearing from us soon,” Burney said.
My question is why haven’t they heard from the board already? The revelation of the districts massive reserves is weeks old?
I was at the meeting last year where custodians begged, litterly begged to keep their jobs and the superintendent and board collectively shrugged their shoulders. It was heartbreaking and because of this past indifference I wouldn’t hold my breath if I was them.
To Read more of the Times Union piece check here: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-03-07/story/custodial-workers-scold-school-board-over-their-pay-cuts#ixzz1oQLKMpsq
No comments:
Post a Comment