NEW: Providence Teachers Union, City Strike Deal
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
The Providence Teachers Union and the city have struck a tentative collective bargaining agreement that saves a net $53 million over three years.
The agreement brings to a close months of tension and controversy that ensued after Providence Mayor Angel Taveras terminated all teachers, only to later announce a process for hiring most of them back.
“Rebuilding a strong relationship with our City’s teachers is vital to improving public education in Providence. I am hopeful that with the start of a new school year, we will focus our collective energy on improving achievement for every Providence public school student,” Taveras said.
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The savings result from $41 million in spending reductions and $12 million in other concessions, such as a longer school day without additional pay. Other provisions include the following, according to a news release:
• Terminations will be rescinded for teachers who lost positions because of fiscal crisis. Terminations issued for other causes will not be rescinded
• PPSD administrators retain the right to place teachers who have their terminations rescinded in positions that best meet the needs of students
• Reduction in staff as a result of 80 retirements
• School day will lengthen at every grade level over the next three years (total of 15 minutes more per day over three years, resulting in approximately two additional weeks of learning time)
• No raises until September 2013
• Defers this year’s longevity payment for one year
• Sick days reduced from 20 to 15 and incentives built in to encourage reduced use of sick time resulting in less loss of learning due to teacher absenteeism, as well as reduced substitute costs
• Increase to healthcare co-shares
• Adoption of the mediated Criterion-Based Hiring Agreement, with no “bumping” of junior teachers
Union president declines comment
Teacher union President Steve Smith declined to comment at length on the agreement today, saying he would wait until the full membership votes on the contract. “We have been working diligently during this difficult time, and have presented the city’s proposal to the membership for their review, consideration and vote. To show respect for the membership, we will refrain from further comment until the teachers have had their opportunity to take part in the process,” Smith said.
The teachers vote will take place on Aug. 4 and Aug. 9.
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