CAT Tracks for May 18, 2002 READY TO SURRENDER?

A 9 MINUTE SESSION!

The Board team walked into the negotiating session with their "game faces" on...they were NOT there to negotiate...they were only interested in accepting our surrender!

They were obviously "testy"...evidently upset by the support shown by the public for the teachers at the Thursday night board meeting. Ignoring the public's pleas for both parties to sit down at the table and get the children back to school, the Board simply demanded that we make a new proposal. We indicated that we had made the last three monetary moves...that they had simply resubmitted the same package, time and time again.

We indicated a willingness to explore a one-year deal - to accept their proposal to submit the dispute to binding arbitration and put the kids back in school on Monday. They indicated that a one-year deal was no longer an option.

We indicated a willingness to explore a three-year deal. They have been saying for the past three negotiations session..."Here's our 3-year deal...take it or leave it!"

Faced with this "attitute" by Board attorney, Barney Mundorf, we tried to initiate a dialogue by inquiring into the terms of the agreements reached with the secretarial and custodial unions...reportedly 3-year agreements with percentage raises of 5, 4, and 4. As Dr. Isom began to explain the terms of those agreement, a visibly upset Board President ended the discission - "that's not what we are here to discuss."

At that point, the Board's attorney brusquely asked if we had anything else to add. Taken aback by the Board team's abruptness, we indicated that we had no more to offer at this time. The Board team got up and left the room.

As we caucused, we realized that further movement...a 4th consecutive monetary move would not be advisable...especially due to the Board's repeated refusal to respond in kind.

The mediator indicated that he did not see the Board making further movement and dismissed both sides.

TIME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP!

If there was ever any doubt, it has been totally removed...the Board of Education has a big ax to grind against teachers. That was obvious from the comments made by former Board President Vernon Stubblefield during Thursday night's board meeting...and the vigorous applause given by the current board members to those remarks...remarks very derogatory to teachers.

The Board of Education is bound and determined to break the union...children, parents, and community be d_mned. The Board has clearly shown that it doesn't care about any of us...former friend...former foe. They are only interested in proving that they have "the power". These are NOT rational people...they give no thought to the consequences of their actions. This makes them dangerous...even to themselves.

The CAT has been...and continues to be...STRONG. Speaking from loooooong experience, the current group of CATs...young and...not so young...are second to none! You have taken every insult and action thrown at you...and there have been many...and not even flinched. I am VERY proud of you! The CAT will NOT be intimidated by "a bully". AND...we will NOT allow ourselves to manipulated.

For this reason, there will be a meeting of the general membership of the CAT at Harper's restaurant on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. We will discuss the Board's latest tactics, assess our current situation, discuss various options, and decide (VOTE) on our next course of action. PLEASE BE PRESENT!

REMEMBER OUR NEW MOTTO: CATs CAN...AND DO LAND ON THEIR FEET!