OPS teachers vote down contract

Omaha teachers have turned their backs on a pay hike of $1,800, on average, this year.

The teachers rejected the contract proposal as the Nebraska Legislature prepares to go into special session to cut budgets, quite likely to include a funding reduction for school districts.

The Omaha Public Schools offered teachers a 4.4 percent salary increase.

A sticking point probably was an increase in health insurance deductible from $300 a year to $600 a year. Another factor: Teachers didn't receive credit for last year's experience.

The vote, held last week, comes as many private employers have reduced employee pay or hours and the City of Omaha is seeking a pay freeze for employees, including firefighters and police officers. And senior citizens will not receive a cost of living increase in Social Security payments this year.

Officials with the teachers union, the Omaha Education Association, wouldn't speculate on why the proposal was voted down. Members are being surveyed, and the results will be factored into the next proposal, OEA President Doreen Jankovich said Monday.

“Negotiations, no matter what period it's in, are always serious,” Jankovich said. “That's the livelihood of our members. It takes care of thousands of families in this district.”

Teachers rejected the contract 1,188 to 799. The agreement covers nearly 4,000 OPS staff members.

Gerry Huber, the district's chief negotiator, said the proposal offered salaries comparable with other teachers in the metro area, a key issue.

The starting salary would have increased to $34,903, including a stipend for orientation days, nearly a $2,000 increase over last year.

“Our next move is just to go back to the table,” Huber said.

Had the contract passed, teachers would have received their retroactive pay — to cover the difference in salary since August — in December paychecks. OPS staffers are paid monthly.

Asked if December is possible now, Jankovich said: “That certainly would be nice,” but it depends upon when an agreement is reached.

According to data from the state teachers union, the Nebraska Education Association, teachers around the state are driving a hard bargain. The association encouraged local unions to push for at least a $1,500 increase in pay. Many got that much, some even more.

Teachers in West Point, for example, negotiated a $2,500 increase, more than 9 percent. Starting teacher pay is now $30,000.

The state teachers union's advice was in line with that of Gov. Dave Heineman, who sent a letter to all teachers union members in June urging them to seek strong salary increases because of increases in state school aid related to economic stimulus funds.

In the letter, Heineman compared the rapid growth in school superintendents' salaries to the slow growth of teachers' pay. He said: “That needs to change. It is absolutely essential that education budgets are focused on the classroom.”

Now, four months later, the governor has announced plans for the special session because of lower-than-expected state tax revenues.

Earlier this fall, Bellevue teachers shot down a tentative agreement that included a 4.59 percent increase package. A new tentative agreement has been written, with the same overall increase package. Teachers will vote next week.

Teachers in the Papillion-La Vista district approved a 3.5 percent salary increase as the school year kicked off. Teachers in the Millard district approved 3 percent.

Some metro-area districts, including Douglas County West and South Sarpy, continue to negotiate.

During its regular meeting Monday, the Omaha school board discussed options if the state cuts funding to school districts. About 85 percent of the school district's budget is salaries and benefits.

Contact the writer:

444-1037, michaela.saunders@owh.com

« Metro/Region

Share