Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thursday Night Flyers - Need Your Help

Aloha,

The inserted letter from our OEA 2nd Vice President, Pat Brickey, sums up the feeling of our Mediation on Tuesday, May 29th.  Please note that we have not yet been released from mediation, but are waiting to hear from our mediator after the Administration speaks with the School Board.  Your OEA leadership team feels as though we are ready to more forward with our plan of action.  Therefore, we will be passing out flyers at both Patterson and Nightingale tomorrow (Thursday, May 31st) night.  Please join us from 6:15-7 pm at either site.  Don Robertson will have materials to pass out at Nightingale and Anna Zucker will have materials to pass our at Patterson.  Please remember that you cannot pass out flyers at the site which you work.  We do need your support in making a fair contract that we can all be proud of!

"Yesterday was truly an astonishing day for me as part of the Negotiations Team.  My faith in the district administration has been shaken to its core.  I do not have any trust left.  While I wish I could go into all of the specifics, I believe I could get fired if I did so.  There is a strict confidentiality clause that has been placed into effect by the state's mediator.

Needless to say, our union is only as strong as the members who are willing to stand up and fight for what they know is right.  Hopefully, all of you will take that matter with grave importance.  It will affect the future of all of us including our families.

We will keep you as informed as we can by law; be prepared to protect what you and your predecessors have earned through the years by the bargaining process.

With utmost respect,

Pat Brickey"

I hope you can be there tomorrow night to support your union!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Second Meeting with Bob Bush

Aloha,

On Thursday, May 3rd Pat Brickey, Don Robertson and I met with Bob Bush and Don Nicholson.  We are working towards tenative agreements on a few articles before going to mediation.  The good news is that we are communicating nicely and are meeting again on Tuesday, May 8th.  We will continue to keep you posted on the status of our meetings.  At this time your executive board and negotiating team WILL NOT be organizing picketing at district Open Houses.  We are in the process of putting together an informational flyer for parents and would like to simply pass out flyers at Open Houses as needed.  Your OEA leadership has a fluid plan in place, and is happy to back down when necessary.  Please know that we are working hard to get a fair contract in place for all of our members.

Please join your OEA leadership at the School Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 9th from 6-6:30 pm.  We would appreciate your support!

OEA End of the Year Party is scheduled for Friday, June 1st at 4pm-? at the Foxenwood Clubhouse.  Please mark your calendars as we celebrate our retirees!

Mahalo and have an outstanding weekend!