Look Back on 2011: Teachers Contract Ordeal

Patch came in to West Bloomfield in February of what will be remembered by many as a long, interesting year in the township. Between several interesting, significant, and relevant issues which turned into debate which turned into stories, videos, and photos, Patch was in a fairly unique position of providing the forum for these stories – and residents views on them – to be heard.

Today, we'll begin to look back on 2011 by remembering a key issue:

The West Bloomfield Schools teachers contract

A monthslong, rancorous process of contract negotiations amid protests came to a head March 31 as the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education on its teachers union. The two-year contract, imposed after a 5-2 vote, included a 10 percent, retroactive pay cut, and was met with a protest from about 450 people in the auditorium.

The two biggest sources of contention between the district and teachers union were teachers’ salaries and fringe benefits, both of which were faced with cuts.

“The absolute unwillingness of the union to agree to the concept of a permanent cut to the district’s budget versus a ‘one-time savings’ is an unsure obstacle and one of the most concrete blocks that has resulted in impasse,” said President David Einstandig that night. “Every one of you sitting here is completely aware that this permanent cut has resulted in a complete stalemate.”

Prior to public comments from local teachers and their supporters, trustees Melanie Torbert and Matt Chase cast the dissenting votes to raucous applause, citing bad negotiating tactics from both sides and regret toward the decision.
 
“I am not and have never been afraid to impose a contract … what I’m having trouble with is the lack of structural changes in the board’s proposal. This board has hijacked this process and made a mockery of it. I cannot see how the end justifies the means,” said Torbert in reply. Torbert eventually chose not to run for re-election as her .

"I am not and have never been afraid to impose a contract … what I’m having trouble with is the lack of structural changes in the board’s proposal."
 

The union, represented at the local level by the Michigan Education Association, , based on allegations that the collective decision to vote in support of imposition was made prior to the public vote.

West Bloomfield High School Spanish teacher Heather Crewes said during the public comments portion of that March 31 meeting that her paycheck for that week had already been cut to reflect the 10 percent reduction.

“I changed my bank to do direct deposit just before (imposition) happened, and the board told me they would send a paper check,” Crewes said at the time. “They sent it to the school and instructed me to pick it up. After I did and noticed the decrease, without any changes to my deductions, I called the office and got no answer. They called me back and asked me to return the check, so I refused and went to the union.”

Superintendent JoAnn Andrees issued a statement April 1 in reply to the union’s allegations, explaining that given the volume of checks to be adjusted and the time required, administration had prepared payroll earlier that week not knowing what the board would do at the meeting.

In June, the union from the district. The contract, later in the same room which previously played host to loud protests, included a 5 percent pay cut, increased health care contributions and a step freeze in the second year of the contract. The injunction was dropped as part of the terms of agreement.

“It was sad. This has been a long ordeal for everyone and very difficult bargaining,” said Cyndi Austin, Uniserve director for the Michigan Education Association, on June 1. “We have lots of discussions, lots of questions being asked … a lot of people concerned about what’s happening and what the potential could be. I’m all questioned out right now.”

It's been six months since the contract was approved, which offers time for reflection. If you're a teacher, how has life been different under the new contract? If a member of the community who isn't a teacher, are the schools any different since this got started?

Leave a comment, or send an e-mail to tim.rath@patch.com.