HSTA Levels More Criticism At Governor's Plan
Union Says Student Safety Jeopardized
POSTED: 7:19 pm HST November 25, 2009
UPDATED: 7:30 pm HST November 25, 2009
HONOLULU -- The state teachers union Wednesday leveled more criticism at the governor's plan to end furlough Fridays.The union said student safety may be jeopardized by the governor's proposal.The HSTA said it is still willing to negotiate, but said the governor's proposal is not acceptable as it stands today.Teacher union leaders said the governor's staff told them money from the rainy-day fund could only be used to pay salaries for classroom teachers.It would not allow the rest of the school staff on the restored furlough days, leaving only a skeleton crew and "Not providing moneys for principals, vice principals, the athletic department, custodians, cafeteria workers, librarians," said HSTA President Will Okabe. "Are we compromising now the health and safety of our students?"The union said the governor also hasn't accounted for the costs of fringe benefits, electricity, buses and cafeteria food.It also said all teachers should be included, not just those in the classroom, and is not willing to give up the planning and collaboration days."We believe that the teachers need those planning days to ensure quality education," said acting HSTA Executive Director Dwight Takeno.Despite those strong statements, the union leaders said they are still willing to negotiate.The school furlough days cannot be restored without the union because the furlough days are part of the teacher's contract. The first real negotiating session is scheduled for next week.
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