Ain’t gonna be no wage-freeze here..
By Shawn on May 7, 2009 in Schools
Thats the word we’re hearing from the street.
The teacher’s union is refusing to participate in a one-year wage freeze (basically delaying their raises for a year).
I understand Sup Mullin will show up at Monday’s School Committee meeting with a list of over 40 initial layoffs that now must happen for next year.
With the state revenue numbers coming in even worse, I am betting that the number of layoffs is going to get even higher, as local aid will probably have to be cut again.
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Jeanne | May 7, 2009 | Reply
Now is the time for all elected officials to step up to the plate and set the example by giving up the health insurance perk.
I have found that what can be done to resolve this “health insurance perk” once and for all is to change the by-law language from “stipend or compensation” to “fee for expenses” then the selectmen and school committee would not be able to take the “health insurance perk” because they would not be considered paid town employees. It’s all in the language.
The concern with this “health insurance perk”, that a lot of people do not realize, is that after an elected official serves in office for 6 years and either loses re-election or decides not to run for the office again, he or she takes this “health insurance perk” with them for the rest of their lives.
This is one of the BIGGEST BUDGET BUSTERS that any city or town can incur.
Brian Flaherty | May 7, 2009 | Reply
As a fellow teacher, I sympathize with them but they are being foolish if they don’t take a wage freeze. Where are they going to get a teaching job (or any job) in this econonmy? They rather lose their job than not get a raise? Stupid if you ask me.
Shawn | May 7, 2009 | Reply
got a response from Matt Sheehan today as well:
“we’re not trying to take any money back here. We’re asking to push everything back one year. It is unfortunate that the decision of a small group of people will effect hundreds”.
Paula Stokes | May 8, 2009 | Reply
Lay them off!!!!!!!!! King Obama just placed a 5 year freeze for an increase on my Social Security check. I would give my right arm for the kind of pension town, state or Federal employees get. I’m not eating cat food yet, but as prices keep going up, I’m afraid it won’t be long till I do. What happen to teachers who taught school because they loved it, now they are all money grubers. I never though I’d be placing teachers in the same catagory as use car salesmen, attorneys or politians.
Michael H | May 12, 2009 | Reply
I think the teachers need to take a good long look at reality here. You have a choice, either a wage freeze or layoff notices. In the world we live in today you should be thankful that you have a job. If they want to try and play hardball then let the cards play out and say good luck to them.
P.S. I agree with Jeanne 100%. This little health insurance perk has to go. There is no need for it at all.