Lamphere Federation of Teachers
MFT&SRP Local #1614

Sept.12, 2003

 Dear Brothers and Sisters,

      The Lamphere Federation of Teachers reached a tentative agreement with the Board of Education on September 11, 2003. The changes in the contract are included with this letter. The contract is for one year, with a pay raise of 1.75%.       

     An informational meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 15^th in the High School Auditorium. The meeting will begin at 3:40 p.m. Voting will take place on Tuesday, September 16^th from 2:45 until 4:00, at the 13 Mile (south end) parking lot.  

     As you look at the contract changes, keep in mind that the present economic climate created many challenges.

      My thanks to the bargaining team members, Tom Gennette, chief negotiator, Chris Anderson, Barb Buczynski,  Marsha Niesluchowski , Judy Schram  and Beth Sabo for their dedication to unionism and willingness to work under extremely stressful conditions.

     Union dues will be $475 for the 2003-04 school year. If you wish to have your dues payment changed to payroll deduction please obtain a form from your building representative.

 In Solidarity,

 Dave Wrobel
LFT President

Article III
Compensation  

Schedule A   1.75% increase

 3.      Teachers who submitted a request for a change in salary tracks by August 1, 2003 will be grandfathered by the provisions of the 2000-2003 Master Agreement for the specific change requested. The hours of credit in each track of the Salary Schedule A are full semester hours and must be courses approved by the State for Continuing or Professional Certification, and must be as follows:  

a.       Hours beyond the bachelor’s must be in the field of education and/or area of specialty and must be earned after the issuance of the teaching certificate. Teachers who earned a non-teaching degree prior to earning a bachelor’s degree in education and teaching certificate, may be place at the BA +20 or BA+50 at the discretion of the superintendent upon initial employment.

b.      Hours beyond the masters must be in the field of education and/or area of specialty and must be earned after the issuance of the master’s degree.

 Section F3 ---increase co-pay from $5/$12 to $5/$18

 Section F5 --- (change)—In the event that five (5) full-time members choose to forego their health, dental, and vision insurance, the board shall provide the member with a yearly cash payment according to the following schedule:

                          Schedule based on full time employment—

                          Drop all three, health, dental and vision $2,500

                          Drop only health                                    $2,000

 Teachers must declare their option to drop health care no later than November 30, 2003. In succeeding years, teachers must declare their option during the open enrollment period. Payment shall be made in one lump sum in the first pay in December.

 NEW: Implement a Section 457 Deferred Compensation

 NEW: Section P Termination Pay Implement a Section 401 (a) Tax Shelter Plan (for termination payouts)

Article XIV
Professional Study Committee and Professional Development Training

Section C --  Continuing Education Credits:

4.      A maximum of eight (8) days credit may be accumulated for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) months duration. (not intended to eliminate existing valid CEC days)