Jacqui Greadington, EOEA President
September 2019
FULL-TIME RELEASE UPDATE:
Rozenblit v. Lyles was decided on August 22, 2019. The case involves a challenge by the Goldwater Institute, of a contractual provision in the Jersey City BOE and Jersey City EA collective bargaining agreement that provides salary and benefits, paid by the school district to the full-time local president and his/her designee. The collective bargaining agreement also provided JCEA with office space and parking. The Appellate court overturned a lower decision which found in favor of the JCEA/NJEA.
Keep in mind that that every negotiated full-time release provision varies by local contract and it is virtually impossible to deal with the issues on a broad basis.
This decision impacts ALLNJ unions who stand in solidarity and partnership with NJEA.
In East Orange, the EOEA has always reimbursed the salary and benefits for a full-time released president. The EOEA does not receive office space or dedicated parking from the district. This decision is being used broadly to diminish bargaining rights and the union statewide.
In the last week, JCEA has filed a motion seeking a stay from the Appellate Division. In addition, a Notice of Petition of Certification was filed with the NJ Supreme Court. The Appellate Division is scheduled to consider the application for the stay on September 19th.
In the meantime, the JCEA and the JCBOE have reached a tentative agreement that both parties are comfortable with during the pendency of the appeal(s). Many affected school districts have opted to wait for that/those decision(s) before initiating any changes.
NEGOTIATIONS: Our first Mediation Session will be on Thursday, September 12th, at 4:00 at the Board Office. This has been a long time coming, and the team remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable settlement.
LESSON PLANS:
As you know the EOSD has the sole right to create the district lesson plan format. However, EOEA recommended changes in an effort to make the process less time consuming, cumbersome and user-friendly.
SICK LEAVE BANK:
You must donate a minimum of one sick day to the Bank by September 30thto be eligible to participate in the program. You may donate more days if you so desire. After completion of your initial donation, you may also donate sick days to a specific employee represented by the EOEA. Please email a request to donate sick days to Ms. McKenzie through the district website.
WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO PROTECTING OUR MEMBERS’ RIGHTS BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!!!!