After months and months of meetings spent in Negotiations, we are pleased to announce the closure of the 2002-2003 contract. The culmination of negotiations was accomplished by the untiring efforts of the BTA negotiations team: Marian Fagan, lead negotiator, Randy Pearson, Lee Edwards, Brad Frank, Debbie Gal, Dave Harris, and our CTA Executive Director, Denise Jennex. We offer them our sincere thanks for all their countless hours both in the classroom in preparation for their being out to negotiate, and at the table. They are a reminder of all that is good in our association.
As a result of our collective bargaining process, we have tentatively agreed to a 2.75% raise along with a one time bonus of .75 on base salary effective January 1, 2004. This is a positive move to compensate our professional certificated staff. Although it will not take us out of the bottom quartile of L.A. County salary comparisons, we believe it is a step in the right direction toward making Burbank once again the place to come to teach. The tentative agreement will now go to the BTA Representative Council for approval, and then a ratification vote of the general membership.
Included in this raise is the 1% we bargained for withdrawing from CalPERS. Leaving CalPERS was not an easy decision for leadership to make. A great deal of time and research went into surveying the best healthcare administrator. We would like to thank those of you who emailed, telephoned, or wrote to us with your concerns. We also want to thank those who took the time to attend the informational meetings. As a result, we believe that our selection of Blue Shield has been a winning formula for all concerned — maintaining high quality health care while saving premium dollars for the District as well as most individuals.
It is only with your input that we can continue to go forward and do what is best for the majority. Your voice and membership continues to play a critical role in negotiations. As it has been throughout history, unions continue to fight for better pay, health benefits, safer working conditions and better work environment. It is something none of us should lose sight of, especially in these days of severe pressure on workers to reduce their hard won health benefits. For more details we ask that you refer to the Negotiations Update or talk to one of your site BTA representatives.
Enjoy your much deserved holidays.