After a couple weeks of a very public spat, the North Bergen Federation of Teachers and the local board of education have signed off on a new contract this afternoon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Representatives from the NBFT signed off on a new contract less than an hour ago, union President Elizabeth Lynch confirmed with Hudson County View.
She declined to get into most of the particulars of the deal, given that most of the membership had not been informed, yet, but added that the contract does include raises of 2.9, 3 and 3.1 percent each year for three years – as well as a “master’s plus 60 provision.”
Last week, Lynch expressed concern that a new agreement with the administration would remove the master’s plus 60 provision, which means that any teachers with a master’s degree and 60 additional credits are entitled to additional compensation.
“We’re just happy we have a labor agreement … we’re always looking for long term success and stability. We went back and forth on a lot of different things, but I think it was a lot of hard work between the federation of teachers and the BOE negotiating teams,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. George Solter.
“I don’t think either side won, I think we came out with a contract that works for both of us.”
The teachers still have to vote to ratify the contract on March 10 and if that goes as expected, the board of education will vote on the contract on March 15.
The North Bergen teachers recent woes have reignited a bitter battle between state Senator (D-32)/ Mayor Nick Sacco, also a school administrator, and his arch nemesis Larry Wainstein.
What a coincedence! El JEFFE obviously cracked under pressure. Great job Larry. Congratulations to Wainstein and the teachers.