Despite 'Progress,' No New Contract For Ridgewood Teachers Union

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Despite meeting for 10 hours Tuesday night, the Ridgewood Education Association and the Board of Education failed to agree on a new contract, although officials did say that "progress" was made at resolving the 19-month-long dispute.

Board officials and members of the association's negotiating team met with Tim Huntley, a state-appointed super conciliator, but a settlement could not be reached.

Michael Yannone, REA president, could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Dozens of REA members wore red and held up signs at a rally outside the board's office Tuesday.

Teachers, secretaries, nurses, counselors, principals, assistant principals, and area supervisors have been working under the 2014-15 contract, which expired June 30, 2015, more than 430 days ago. Union members continue to receive their 2014-15 school year salaries and benefits until a settlement is reached.

The Board of Education warned parents in a letter Wednesday that teachers may refuse to act as student club advisors, chaperone overnight and after-school field trips, and limit their workday to seven-and-one-half hours.

At the heart of the impasse are salary increases and how much union members should contribute to the health insurance.

The Board has proposed salary increases of 1.1, 2.8, and 2.8 percent over the next three years and switching from an NJ Direct 10 to an NJ Direct 15 plan, which would cause members' co-pays to increase. The Direct 15 plan would save the district more than $1.1 million over the next three years based on the current rates.

Huntley previously recommended annual salary increases of 2.2, 2.8, and 2.8 percent for the next three years and not changing insurance plans or how much employees contribute to their healthcare premiums.

Huntley's recommendations would cost the district $4.4 million over the state-mandated 2 percent budget increase cap, including $2.6 million in program and staff cuts.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Related: Contract Between Ridgewood Board Of Ed., Union Remains Unsettled