March 6, 2008 - Collier County teachers aren't backing down in their fight for a bigger pay increase, even after two special magistrates ruled the district can't afford to give them more.
The union demands a a five-percent raise. However, in a Wednesday ruling two special magistrates recommend teachers should only receive a one-percent bonus and a two-percent step increase.
Two special mediators brought in to hammer out a deal between teachers and the district ultimately sided with the district.
"We did not expect the downturn in the economy. We did not expect the state legislature to take away over $4-million from our operating last fall. And next week they're going to take another $4-million away from us," said [Collier County School Board member Pat] Carroll.
The school board will decide the issue. [TT - Which is one reason why unions go out of their way to back school board candidates so that they can be counted upon to vote against taxpayers' best interests.]
Work slowdown. (Nov 2007) Collier teachers refused to even grade papers after the bell rings at the end of the day. They refused to substitute for each other. They dressed in red. Teachers stood outside dozens of schools holding signs, before and after class, to draw attention to their labor dispute.
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Collier County school district includes Everglades City, Immokalee, Marco Island and Naples, FL.
