DSEA Action!

Vol. 34 No. 3 THE VOICE OF THE DELAWARE STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION INSIDE Hundreds of members take professional development and union skills workshops Pages 12-13 n n n See who's running for DSEA offices Pages 4-6 n n n Looking ahead to the General Assembly Page 11 n n n "Great School Great Communities" in high gear Page 15 Nov./Dec. 2013 Laurel teachers take action to publically challenge district's bargaining position "Work to rule" protest began a month ago s a visible sign of how serious their frustration is, teachers in Laurel are gathering at their schools' flag poles five minutes before the start of each school day and walking in together. At the end of the school day, they leave their buildings together. This job action, called work to rule, means that educators will work the hours that are required, but no more – no coming in early or staying late. Teachers will do their jobs. Students should see no disruption in the educational process – A Association (LEA) have been negotiating a successor contract without success. After nine bargaining sessions, they recently went the next step, continuing negotiations with the help of a state-appointed mediator. After three sessions, two with the mediator and a third without, there is still no progress. "It's time to get the attention of the Laurel community," says Sue Darnell, president of LEA and its chief negotiator. "After the last negotiations session," she explains, "we made a proposal which we Instead of thanking teachers for doing extraordinary work under stressful conditions, the district wants to strip the existing contract of much of the previously-negotiated language. just nothing extra before or after school. However, coaches and other advisors that are under contract will fulfill their extra duties. During the first week, DSEA President Frederika Jenner joined LEA members in solidarity at the high school and at Dunbar Elementary School. Since March of this year, the district and the Laurel Education believe is respectful of the district's financial situation, including no raises for the next two years." After several years of cuts in both programs and staff due to economic difficulties, staff morale has understandably sunk even lower. Teachers are frustrated and angry, Darnell says. "We have offered the district a proposal that Teachers are frustrated and angry. Sue Darnell tells WMDT-TV, "We have offered the district a respectful proposal that will work. After so many bargaining sessions, there is no reason why this can't be settled. " will work. After so many bargaining sessions, there is no reason why this can't be settled. " Joe Kirk, DSEA's field staff representative for LEA, comments, "The district is now spending precious taxpayer money on legal fees and at the same time disrespecting its teachers by rejecting a proposal that is thoughtful and respectful of the Laurel community ." Adds Darnell, "There is no reason to further anger our teachers, and tarnish our community's 'Laurel pride' by showing such disrespect." At the most recent school board meetings, supportive parents and teachers packed the room and made their dissatisfaction known. WMDT-TV is giving this important story on-going coverage. You can see it at www.wmdttv.com. LEA has established a Facebook page (Laurel Education Association) where you can read more about their issues and anger, as well as post messages of support.

• Cover