District 211 union rep: 'We're really close,' but talks snagged on salary
With a strike looming Thursday, last-ditch talks between Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and its teachers have apparently snagged over salaries for the second year of a proposed two-year contract.
The teachers have said they'll walk Thursday, barring any 11th-hour settlement. Still, a union spokesman said today the sides are close.
The district's Web site now details its two-year offer, which would give teachers a 3.25 percent raise in base pay for this school year and 2.5 percent for next.
Earlier Coverage Stories Six more hours, still no Dist. 211 deal [11/07/07]12 hours of talks yield little in Dist. 211 contract negotiations [11/06/07]Still time to avert teacher strike in Dist. 211 [11/05/07]Dist. 211 strike talks on break [11/05/07]District 211 support staff won't sympathy strike [11/04/07]Dist. 211 Teachers plan to walk Thursday [11/03/07]No deal, no strike date in Dist. 211 [11/02/07]Dist. 211, teachers back at the table; could declare strike today [11/01/07]Disgruntled District 211 teachers call strike for Thursday [11/02/07]Ex-Dist. 211 chief blames state [11/03/07]Police, union make plans for peaceful picket [11/01/07]Union, Dist. 211 board make postseason demands [11/01/07]Strike FAQ: The facts behind the issues [10/30/07]Looks like it's a win for sports [10/30/07]New Dist. 211 stance puts coaches on spot [10/30/07]Teachers picket Dist. 211 meeting [10/26/07] Have any questions? We'll do our best to get you answers. Email Daily Herald reporter Ashok Selvam at aselvam@dailyherald.com. Related Links Twp. High School Dist. 211NW Suburban Teachers Union, Local 1211
It would also include a 0.75 percent lump sum payment for the first year, bringing the increase to 4 percent, just below the 4.1 percent total the union requested in the spring.
The union has also proposed its own two-year deal with the same raise in the first year. But teachers are seeking a 2.8 percent base-pay increase for the second year, union spokesman Dave Comerford said.
"We're really close," Comerford said.
Still, after District 211 officials posted details from Tuesday night's six-hours bargaining session early this morning on d211.org early this morning, Comerford said not to expect a negotiation session today before the union's scheduled meeting tonight at Palatine High School.
Posting the details of the meeting publicly goes against what the two sides agreed on Tuesday, Comerford said. He described it as an intimidation tactic.
"It circumvents union leadership. It's disrespectful," he said.
Superintendent Roger Thornton said his officials posted the details to inform the public on the eve of a potential strike.
"Parents have the right to know what is on the table," he said.
Thornton and union President John Braglia spoke this morning, but nothing new came of it, Comerford said.
Board President Robert LeFevre said he wasn't surprised officials posted details.
"I think a lot of people have a lot of questions. I think the district is just trying to keep people informed as possible," he said.
LeFevre declined comment when asked if revealing negotiating details was a bargaining tactic. He remained hopeful a deal would be done averting a strike.
The union's two-year deal will be up for vote by its members tonight. That offer will eventually be posted today at www.local1211.org, Comerford said.
The results will help determine if classes will be canceled Thursday, which is the union's strike date.
With five schools, 13,000 students and 2,100 employees, District 211 is the state's largest. There hasn't been a strike in the district's history. A strike also loomed in 2005 before an agreement was made.
Comerford said a lot of movement could yet occur today. A bargaining session could still take place after the union's meeting.
"We'd certainly be available to talk," he said.
Thornton also said his team would be available, but preferred to convene earlier than after the union's meeting.
"I don't think we would want to begin a session that late night at night," he said.