Ridgewood Teachers Stage 'Walk-In' To Protest Expired Contract

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Hundreds of village teachers and secretaries participated in a "walk-in" Tuesday in protest of starting another academic year under an expired contract.

More than 500 Ridgewood Education Association members participated in the "walk-in" and wore red as a sign of solidarity. It is the third time in four years union members are beginning the school year without a new contract.

REA President Michael Yannone said the board is claiming that it cannot settle either a one-year or a multi-year contract. He said members are being asked to give a complete history of doctors visits, medical procedures, and medications taken by members and their families, which would then be given to a third party.

"We said no to this on numerous occasions to this, but they still maintain they need this information to begin negotiating," Yannone said.

Board of Education President Vincent Loncto said officials want to find another, cheaper alternative to the insurance plan the union has now, NorthJersey.com reported.

The sides have already gone through mediation. A state-appointed fact finder will enter negotiations Oct. 9 if an agreement has not been reached.

The union's contract with the district expired July 1. Teachers and union secretaries are working under the terms of their previous contact. The contract was agreed to about two years ago and gave teachers an annual salary of $78,500 for the 2016-17 school year. (Related: Ridgewood Teachers Union, Board Of Education Reach 'Tentative' Agreement)

Salaries and health insurance premiums were the sticking point regarding that contract.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photos: Members of the Ridgewood Education Association at a "walk-in"