Unresolved Contract Issues Loom Over Mahwah District Days Before School Starts

MAHWAH, N.J. — It is unlikely a deal will be reached before school starts in the contract negotiation between The Board of Education and Mahwah Education Association — a negotiation that has dragged on for more than a year and now involves a state-appointed fact-finder.

Charles Saldarini, first vice president and chairman of the board's negotiating committee, said health insurance contributions continue to be the biggest issue preventing a compromise from being reached.

Under the terms of the previous contract, union members pay for 22 percent of their health insurance coverage and the district pays the remaining 78 percent. Those terms remain in effect until a new three-year contract is approved.

"We think that’s a fair allocation. Obviously, they have a different view," Saldarini said. "So, now the question is is to find something that works for all parties."

The union was without new a contract for more than 400 days, including the entire 2015-16 school year. The Board's negotiating committee and the union have met a few times this summer to try and reach an agreement.

"We've exchanged different ideas to try and make health care costs manageable for both sides and we haven't figured out what way works for both sides," Saldarini said. "I think we can. I think the dialogue has been productive and cordial."

A state-appointed fact finder is examining the case. Both sides have presented the person with information and he will make a non-binding recommendation as to what course of action he thinks should be taken to fix the impasse.

Saldarini said that asking teachers to contribute to their healthcare plans is still relatively new for teachers.

"It's tough," Saldarini said. "I understand their frustration and I hope they understand our point of view on it."

The district has offered the union annual pay increases of 2.75, 2.9, and 2.9 percent, although the 2.75 percent was for the 2015-16 academic year.

Union President Sue Dorsa said the MEA is still waiting for officials to negotiate "in good faith."

"The Mahwah staff is extremely frustrated with the board's lack of ability to negotiate," Dorsa said. "I do not know if central office administrators are concerned with the lack of a contract. I do know the Mahwah staff is very concerned that once again, we are starting another school year without a current contract."

If school starts Sept. 6 and a new contract is not in place, it will be the fourth time in the last six years that has happened, Dorsa said.

When asked about the chance of a deal getting done before Sept. 6, both sides seemed less than optimistic.

"I'd like to believe that's possible," Saldarini said. "Obviously, the clock is ticking in that regard."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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